How did Maximilien Robespierre begin his career as a lawyer in Arras?

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Eighteenth-century painted portrait of Maximilien de Robespierre wearing a brown striped coat, high collar, and white cravat, set against a plain background. — Maximilien Robespierre One of the leading figures of the French Revolution, Maximilien Robespierre.

After receiving his law degree in 1781, Maximilien Robespierre returned to Arras to establish his legal practice, where he lived with his sister, Charlotte.1

He quickly gained a reputation for his work and was appointed as a judge at the Salle Épiscopale, a court overseeing the diocese's provostship. Beyond his judicial role, his private practice provided him with a comfortable income. Robespierre also became an active member of the Arras Academy, eventually serving as its chancellor and president.1

He was known for his altruism, often representing poor clients. Through his legal writings, such as his report for Sieur Dupond, he began to challenge royal absolutism and arbitrary justice, which drew the concern of the privileged classes. This commitment to reform eventually propelled him into his political career as a representative of the Third Estate in 1789.1