In the same year he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of law in New Orleans.
From 1905 to 1914 he was a member of the storied law firm Strong & Cadwalader of New York City.
During this time he served as a judge deciding the claim of Belgium vs. Austria, regarding the Treasure of the Order of Golden Fleece.
The King of Belgium requested that the treasure be transferred to him as the new ruler of the former Habsburg lands of the Austrian Netherlands.
However at the request of Emperor Carl, King Alfonso XIII of Spain intervened and the treasure remained in Austrian hands.