In an industry traditionally dominated by older white attorneys, Ed Littlejohn stands out not just for his legal expertise, but for his innovative approach to making estate planning, probate, and real estate law services more accessible to all communities. "There aren't a lot of people who look like me in this practice area," Ed reflects, acknowledging the unique position he holds as a young African American attorney.
As the founder of Littlejohn Law, Ed has built his practice on a foundation of compassion, clear communication, and technological innovation. The representation gap has become one of his greatest strengths—allowing him to reach underserved communities and bring fresh perspectives to an established field.
Breaking New Ground
Ed's path to becoming a successful estate planning, probate, and real estate attorney wasn't without challenges. During his undergraduate years, he maintained a 2.5 GPA. Because of this, his academic advisor suggested he pursue paralegal studies instead of law school.
Despite receiving rejection letters from law schools he hadn't even applied to, Ed persevered. He was accepted to Thomas Cooley Law School, where he graduated in the top 20% of his class—proving that determination and resilience can overcome any obstacle.
After law school, Ed’s began his career as a prosecuting attorney. Soon, his desire to help people in more meaningful ways led him to focus on real estate and estate planning. A personal experience with his great-grandmother, who was in a nursing home without proper estate planning, showed him firsthand the critical need for accessible legal information and early planning.
Building a Legacy of Compassion
Growing up, Ed's grandfather, Reverend Ray Brown, encouraged him to be "a zealous advocate like Johnny Cochran." This advice, combined with Maya Angelou's wisdom that "people will not remember what you did, but they'll remember how you made them feel," shaped his approach to client service when Littlejohn Law first opened its doors.
What initially began as a solo practice has grown into a team of nine, including two attorneys, all united in their commitment to excellent legal services delivered with genuine compassion. Ed's innovative approach to making legal services more accessible is evident in everything his firm does, from hosting free seminars to providing downloadable guides that help people make informed decisions about estate planning. His philosophy is simple but powerful: "If you knew better, you would do better."
Ed has created more than just a law firm; he's built a legacy that challenges industry norms and proves that success in law doesn't require sacrificing kindness or accessibility.
Looking to the Future
What’s next for Littlejohn Law? Ed's long-term vision for his firm extends beyond traditional legal practice boundaries. He is currently working to streamline the probate process through technology so it is more accessible and user-friendly for clients. His goal is to expand Littlejohn Law's impact while maintaining the personal touch and excellence that has become their trademark.
The Impact of Mentorship and Community
Ed's success story isn't just about individual determination—it's also about the power of community and continuous learning. Through masterminds, coaching programs, and business mentors like Tom Foster and Dan Kennedy, he's gained invaluable guidance that has shaped his firm's growth. His advice to aspiring Black entrepreneurs reflects this experience: "Join some sort of mastermind or coaching group and get connected with other people."
Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?
Every groundbreaking legal practice begins with a vision—and the right partner to help bring it to life. At Foster Consulting, we're proud to work alongside innovative leaders like Ed Littlejohn who are reshaping their industries and expanding access to justice. Connect with us today and take the first step toward transforming your practice into tomorrow's success story.
