William LeBaron Putnam earned an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Bowdoin College and was admitted to the Maine Bar in the same year. He practiced law in Portland for over three decades, during which he also engaged in local politics, serving as a city council member, board of aldermen, and Mayor of Portland. Putnam was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the United States Circuit Courts for the First Circuit, a position he held until his retirement. His career highlights include negotiating American fishing rights in Canada and a nomination for Governor of Maine.

William LeBaron Putnam's political career is marked by a unique blend of local governance advocacy and federal judicial service. He consistently prioritized local economic growth and fair trade, particularly in fishing rights, revealing a localized approach to economic policy. Putnam’s long tenure in municipal roles underscores his commitment to civic participation and local governance. His judicial appointments highlight a strategic alignment with federal interests while maintaining a focus on regional concerns. This juxtaposition of local and federal roles presents an intriguing tension in his political identity.