Graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1966, second in class.

In 1966 Judge Harry R. McCue entered into an association with his brother, Joseph T. McCue Jr. and conducted a limited private practice handling civil cases and probate matters as well as defense counsel in criminal cases.

In April of 1968 he joined the staff of the US Attorney's Office in San Diego as an Assistant US Attorney.  Duties consisted of the trial of criminal cases through appeal. 

• In July of 1969 assigned the task of reorganizing the criminal division of the US Attorney's Office to accommodate the changes in the US court system and the practices which were required to implement the pilot US Magistrate's program. 
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• Subsequent responsibilities included: exercising of discretion in the initiation of all criminal prosecutions, managing and conducting Grand Jury proceedings and investigations, and assignment of personnel. 
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• Handled the enforcement of Selective Service laws and organized and maintained a system for immediate identification of Selective Service violators. 
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• Served as the interface between all law enforcement government agencies and the US Attorney's office for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of the government law enforcement efforts.
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• Included the training and education of the various agencies in the latest legal requirements that were then evolving by the Court of Appeals at a rapid rate.