Life Back In Hot Springs
Returning to Hot Springs, McLaughlin rented an office beside Whittington’s and declared himself a lawyer, even though he never took the bar exam. He handled divorce cases and often used his friend’s expertise. Questions about his credentials continued to plague him throughout his career.
He ran for the office of city attorney in Spring of 1912. Winning, he held this office for 13 years.
When he was not busy with his duties as Hot Springs city attorney, he jumped at the chance to play for the Bathers, Hot Spring's first baseball team.