In 1873 he graduated with a LL. B from the law school at Columbian University (now George Washington University) in Washington, DC. He moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1874, and was admitted to the bar in New Mexico. From 1875-1876 he was the Clerk of District court Second District in Albuquerque. In 1877 he moved East for two years, and became the Secretary to the Assistant Secretary of Treasury, R.C. McCormick, remaining as McCormick's secretary when he appointed as U.S. Commissioner-General to the Paris Exposition.