Which government positions did Michel de Montaigne hold before becoming a writer?

Before dedicating his life to writing, Michel de Montaigne followed his family's tradition of public service by entering the noblesse de robe (administrative nobility). His government positions included:

• Member of the Board of Excise: He served in this tax court in Périgueux early in his career.1
• Member of the Parliament of Bordeaux: Following the dissolution of the Board of Excise in 1557, he joined this regional parliament, which served as a high court of justice. He held this position until 1570, when he sold his seat to depart from public life.1

Although he later served as the mayor of Bordeaux starting in 1581, these earlier roles in the magistrature constituted his primary government service prior to his retirement to his estate to focus on his Essays.1