In 1990, he was elected Clerk of the Faculty, holding that office until 1995. He served as Standing Junior Counsel (legal advisor) to the Ministry of Defence from 1990 to 1991 and to the Industry Department of the Scottish Office from 1991 to 1997, at which time he was appointed Queen's Counsel. From 1998 to 2001, he was an Advocate Depute.[2]
It was announced on 17 February 2020 that Lord Doherty had been appointed to the Inner House of the Court of Session with effect from December 2020.[1]. He was appointed to Her Majesty's Privy Council on 12 April 2022 allowing him the honorific The Right Honourable. [5]