Judicial Activity
Gleeson was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1963. He was appointed as a Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1974 and was President of the New South Wales Bar Association 1984 - 1985. He was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1988.
He was appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court in May 1998, a position he still holds.
Under the Australian Constitution he must retire from the High Court by 2008 when he will be 70.
Other appointments
Gleeson was the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales 1989 - 1998.