 René Hérault started his career in 1712, at the age of 21, as King's Advocate (a position similar to Advocate General) at the Châtelet of Paris, the city's civil and criminal court.On 3 February 1718 he became Chief Prosecutor ("procureur général") at the Grand Conseil, a higher court of justice.He also became "maître des requêtes", and on 23 March 1722 he was appointed "intendant" of the "généralité" of Tours.