[1] Stephen built up a legal practice as an attorney and barrister in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

[1] He was appointed the first Solicitor General for New South Wales in 1824,[2] serving until August 1825 when he was appointed an additional judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

[1] Stephen and his wife Mary Anne, née Pasmore, had six boys, and three girls.

[1] The Stephen family became a prominent legal dynasty in Australia.

His nephew James served on the Supreme Court of Victoria, while his grandson, Sir Henry and great-grandson Edward served on the Supreme Court of New South Wales.