on 14 august 1525, he succeeded richard lyster as solicitor-general, and became attorney-general on 3 june 1529. during his seven years in this office, he conducted the proceedings against several illustrious persons who had incurred the king's displeasure. he prosecuted thomas wolsey by an indictment to which the cardinal made no defence; he appeared for the king against sir thomas more and john fisher on their last arraignment; and the trials of queen anne boleyn and those charged with being implicated with her occurred during the last few months of his official tenure.