Tolbert & Tolbert Among Finalists for

Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics

For the first time ever, Tolbert & Tolbert was named as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. Formerly the Integrity Awards, this designation honors businesses and nonprofits for putting integrity into action.

"We were totally surprised when we received word that we had been nominated," recalls Atty. Shelice R. Tolbert. "We go about our days doing what is right by our clients without any expectation of being recognized."

"Just to be nominated for such a prestigious award is huge to us," said Atty. Michael E. Tolbert. "We extend our sincerest congratulations to all of the finalists and winners."

Designed to not only promote the importance of building trust, the Torch Awards also recognizes outstanding organizations' willingness and efforts to help contribute to an honorable marketplace.

Learn more about the Torch Awards for Ethics here.

Attorneys Tolbert Once Again Named to

100 Black Lawyers List

Congratulations are once again in order for attorneys Michael E. Tolbert and Shelice R. Tolbert for being named to the Top 100 National Black Lawyers list. This is an invitation-only professional development and networking association comprised of the top African American attorneys across the country.

"We trust God to lead our firm, and continue to be humbled by this designation," said Atty. Michael E. Tolbert.

The National Black Lawyers was created to celebrate legal excellence by promoting attorneys as subject-matter experts, developing a strong national network of top African American attorneys, and facilitating the exchange of timely information to enable members to expand their impact as leaders.

Tolbert & Tolbert Lends Support to a

Host of Holiday Causes

Each year, the Gary Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police spread holiday cheer by raising funds to support its "Shop with a Cop" initiative.

Thanks to generous donations from local businesses like Tolbert & Tolbert, a total of 47 children were able to shop with officers and volunteers at Meijer.

"The Shop with a Cop program is one of our favorite causes to support," said Atty. Shelice R. Tolbert. "The smiles on the faces of the children are all the 'why' we need."

The Tolberts also lent their support to the recent screening of the film "Sarah's Oil" hosted by the ECIER Foundation. This non-profit organization was created to educate and empower youth about careers, innovation and entrepreneurship and to help them realize their potential and achieve their dreams.

Atty. Michael E. Tolbert serves on the board of the organization.

"It was our pleasure to participate in this wonderful event," said Tolbert. "The film was excellent, and the students had another incredible experience courtesy of the ECIER Foundation."

More community impact was made thanks to the firm's support of the Triumphant Tranisitions Community Diapers & More Giveaway.

Founder LaTrice Edwards and a crew of volunteers distributed hundreds of diapers and other essential baby items for scores of mothers throughout the community.

Attorney Michael E. Tolbert also serves on the board of this organization, which was created to help individuals achieve lifestyle transformation through empowerment, education and edification.

"Without question, the resources that Triumphant Transitions provides to mothers and families are critical and well-received," said Atty. Tolbert. "So glad we could be there for them."

Lastly, the Tolberts closed out the year supporting the 8th Annual Toy Drive hosted by the ASW Foundation and Ray Lewis Foundation. More than 300 children enjoyed dinner with Santa, free haircuts/hairstyles, music, games and a toy giveaway.

"This effort is growing every year along with the energy that these foundations are putting behind it," said Atty. Shelice R. Tolbert. "We saw our support as another opportunity to lighten the load of families who are in need while bringing joy to hundreds of youth."

Check out the Final Episode of 2025 -

"Catching up with the Tolberts"

It's the end of the year, and the Tolberts share a warm reflection of 2025 and what lies ahead in the New Year!

Call to Action



A recent American Bar Association study shows there are about 1.3 million lawyers in the United States. Many do not offer services in underserved areas. In Northwest Indiana, just about 1% of registered law firms call Gary, Indiana home leaving a significant population without access to quality legal services. Tolbert & Tolbert exists to solve this problem by providing excellent, compassionate legal services to our clients while at the same time reinvesting resources back into underserved communities that need our help. 

Our goal is to open law firms in underserved areas across the country (and one day in Nigeria) to completely eradicate legal deserts, but we need your help. The next time you need legal help (or have a friend / family member that needs legal help), join the growing number of satisfied clients who have hired Tolbert & Tolbert. You are not just hiring a law firm, but changing the world for the better, one case (or referral) at a time.