After being admitted to the bar this same year, Hughes set up practice in Norfolk, Virginia, where he would continue to work until his retirement in 1920.
An unsuccessful Republican candidate for congress in 1902 and 1904, Hughes also failed in several attempts to be appointed to federal judgeships, beginning in 1897 when he sought to succeed his father as a judge in the district court at Norfolk.
Hughes was a staunch conservative and the last years of his life found him ardently opposing the New Deal in general and Roosevelt's attacks on the Supreme Court in particular.
[1] Hughes's main interest outside the law was Virginia history and, in particular, the roles played by members of his own family.
January 1st, 1915 Come, fill your cups, the dying year Shall promptly be forgotten With such a brew why need we care For falling price of cotton?
Or peace, and Christian love outpoured To nurse the maimed and needy, And plenty, lavishing her hoard In noble succor speedy?
Friends still gather round; Home ties are still unbroken; Then may the new-born year abound With blessings yet unspoken!