He moved to Camden, South Carolina, and became sheriff of Camden District (1789–1791). He served as commissioner in equity October 14, 1791. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1792, and commenced practice in Camden. He engaged in the compilation of the law reports which bear his name 1793-1815. He served as member of South Carolina House of Representatives from 1796 to 1799.
Brevard was elected judge of the State supreme court December 17, 1801, and served until December 1815, when he resigned. He resumed the practice of law in Camden.
Brevard was elected as a Republican to the Sixteenth Congress (1819–1821). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1820. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress at a special election held in 1821. He died in Camden on October 11, 1821, and was interred in the Quaker Cemetery.
