 In November 1823 he was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn, and the following year sailed for Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania).Stephen arrived at Hobart on 24 January 1825 and on 9 May was made Solicitor-General, and 10 days later, crown solicitor.He allied himself with Governor Arthur who had clashed with Joseph Tice Gellibrand, the Attorney-General.