The legal profession’s connection to community engagement extends beyond courtroom appearances. Attorneys who give their time to public service, mentoring, and policy discussions are part of the collective impact on how justice reaches individuals. North Carolina has seen an increasing number of lawyers expanding their outreach and educational efforts to share their expertise with a broader professional audience. For example, national statistics from the American Bar Association show that a significant number of law firms nationwide support some form of pro bono work.
The numbers illustrate the gradual transition of professional service providers connecting work between legal practice and civic engagement, while also highlighting how the legal profession can engage communities and support statewide efforts through legal services.
Within this broader trend, paintball has also become a surprising avenue for mentorship and youth engagement. Tournament paintball in the United States draws thousands of amateur players each year. According to the National Xball League, more than 20,000 participants registered for competitive events in 2023 alone. The sport demands strategic thinking, teamwork, and the kind of discipline that appeals to young athletes seeking a structured environment outside of school or traditional sports. For individuals who move easily between these two arenas of law and athletics, there is an unusual chance to influence both legal practice and recreation.
Michael Christopher Schehr fits squarely into that intersection. After earning a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and passing the North Carolina Bar in 2019, he founded Schehr Law PLLC in Charlotte. His firm quickly built a reputation for client-centered personal injury representation, handling cases that included a notable settlement in Yadkin County. Concurrently, Schehr remained professionally engaged in competitive paintball, starting his career in 2007 and playing for teams such as the Los Angeles Ironmen and San Diego Dynasty. Balancing a full legal practice calendar with travel to international tournaments has attracted interest from peers and competitors alike.
Outside of his solo practice, Schehr belongs to the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. His organization is renowned for advocating for consumer rights and upholding ethical practices within the law. Being a member of this statewide association includes ongoing education and policy involvement, and over 2,000 members participate in legislative debates and community outreach every year. Schehr’s involvement aligns with the firm’s focus on safeguarding people and advancing access to justice, demonstrating a professional dedication that extends beyond client representation.
Pro bono work has also been part of his legal practice. Whereas numerous attorneys register a few unpaid service hours each year, state bar surveys indicate that North Carolina lawyers donated more than 50 hours of pro bono service in 2023. Schehr has engaged with local volunteer programs that match attorneys with residents in need who cannot afford legal representation. These programs, facilitated through local bar associations, assist tenants, injured workers, and families facing immigration issues. His participation contributes to a legacy of legal service beyond his firm’s commercial success.
Alongside his legal practice, Schehr has become an unofficial mentor in the paintball world. Professional paintball is a niche sport but has a loyal following. A four-time Dorito Player of the Year award winner and 2023 National Xball League World Cup champion, Schehr is an example for young players who envision futures in the sport. He has provided advice to new players on topics ranging from training calendars to balancing school and playing commitments. Interviews with top paintball podcasts and participation in local events offer an opportunity to share experience with listeners, including teenagers and amateur adults.
Schehr’s method showcases the intersection of legal practice and sports mentorship. Both fields prioritize preparation, strategy, and perseverance. Legal experts often cite these qualities as necessary for navigating complex cases, while competitive sports require the same to perform at the highest level. By maintaining a career in both, Schehr demonstrates how practices established in one field can be applied to the other. Observers note that his ability to transition between arguments in court and international competition demonstrates an uncommon adaptability.
His writing and public speaking continue these endeavors. Schehr wrote a book exploring personal injury matters in the era of artificial intelligence and social media, including observations on how technology shapes law and public opinion. Such initiatives fuel broader discussions regarding ethics and innovation, topics that legal educators and advocacy groups continue to debate. Publications such as this, along with frequent contributions to professional journals, imply an ongoing interest in influencing the debate on contemporary legal practice.
Visibility within and beyond the law mirrors the extent of these endeavors. Coverage has ranged from interviews in local publications like Access Newswire to profiles on leading paintball sites that report his sporting success. All independent third-party sources attest to his dual roles, lending credence to the perception that his professional career is of importance beyond personal promotion. Together, documented legal success and competitive success create a record rare in both arenas.
By participating in professional associations, endorsing volunteer legal services, and disseminating knowledge within the sporting community, Schehr demonstrates how one person can bridge disparate worlds. His constant presence across two challenging careers exemplifies civic engagement grounded in skill, perseverance, and a willingness to work across multiple public spheres. Such an effort helps towards the general understanding of how law and sport may converge to impact communities and promote participation.
Michael Christopher Schehr’s ongoing work in law, advocacy, and professional paintball can serve as a case study in how one career can branch into a range of public service roles. His progression from law school graduate to lawyer and celebrated athlete demonstrates how professional achievement can be combined with a long-term commitment to mentorship and ethical practice.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Any legal matters discussed should be addressed with a licensed attorney.
