In 1917, Governor William Stephens appointed Wilbur to the California Supreme Court, where he served as an Associate Justice from January 1,1918, and then as the 19th Chief Justice of California from January 1923 to March 19,1924.
In 1917, Governor William Stephens appointed Wilbur to the California Supreme Court, where he served as an Associate Justice from January 1,1918. In September 1922, Wilbur defeated William Lawlor in the primary election and in November was chosen as the 19th Chief Justice of California, holding the position from January 1923 to March 19,1924.