His report at the end of the enquiry in 1999 was considered groundbreaking and described as one of the most significant moments in the history of British criminal justice.

[2] Through his legal career, Macpherson was involved in numerous important cases, including the 1993 trial at Old Bailey acquitting three ex-detectives of lying over evidence against Patrick Armstrong, a member of the Guilford Four, and also the case that resulted in the conviction of the serial killer Robert Black in 1994.

[5] Some of his other cases that resulted in damages payout included singer Dusty Springfield over a television sketch portraying her drunk performance, and another to British politician David Penhaligon's widow for his death in a car accident.

The 350-page report, in which Macpherson made over 70 recommendations, has been called "one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain".

[10] His calling out of institutional discrimination in organizations including the Metropolitan Police was considered unprecedented.

[12] The Guardian newspaper, writing about the publication of the report, called it, "one of the most significant moments in the history of UK criminal justice".

[11] Speaking in 2019, about the investigation and related institutional changes, he downplayed his role and said instead, "There's obviously more to be done, but my feeling is that great steps have been taken in the right direction.

[14] In his later years, he lived there with his companion Lady Hilary Burnham, who joined him after the death of her husband.