He became a tutor at Queen's College in logic and philosophy, political economy and history, and law and was admitted to the bar in 1903.

He was noted for his contribution to parliamentary debates and continued his career as an industrial advocate, often travelling from the then seat of the parliament in Melbourne to Sydney to argue cases.

He was forced back to bed and died on 9 December 1914 of kidney disease at his home in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville.

Arthur was granted a state funeral, which was held at Queen's Hall in Parliament House, Melbourne.

It was attended by Governor-General Ronald Munro-Ferguson, Prime Minister Andrew Fisher, and Opposition Leader Joseph Cook.