While in law school, Orton also served as president of his law school fraternity and was a founder and charter member of the American Inns of Court, a law school organization with chapters throughout the country. In 1979, he set up a private law practice.
During his time at law school, Orton held leadership positions within his fraternity and co-founded the American Inns of Court, a national legal organization. In 1979, he began practicing law independently.