The original LAWTON CAREER INSTITUTE (formally named Lawton School) was founded in 1937 by M. Murray Lawton, M.D. and its original location was in Beverly Hills, California. In later years (1988), LCI relocated to the state of Michigan. In June of 1993, LAWTON was purchased by New LAWTON CAREER INSTITUTE Inc., with Lecester L. Allen as its owner and CEO. Lawton moved from 735 Griswold, Detroit, Michigan to 21800 Greenfield, Oak Park, Michigan. In August of 1996, Lawton moved to its main campus, located at 20755 Greenfield, Southfield, Michigan 48075. During July 2007, Lawton expanded its organization to include a branch located at 13877 E. Eight Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48089.

In September of 2009, the main campus once again relocated back to Oak Park, Michigan and was renamed to LAWTON CAREER INSTITUTE (January 11, 2010).

LAWTON CAREER INSTITUTE, now with two locations (expanding both east and west) continues to provide exceptional training and service to students who reside in the Detroit Metropolitan area under the leadership of Andrew Burks as its President