Tolbert & Tolbert Partners Named Again to

The National Black Lawyers Top 100

Tolbert & Tolbert is proud to announce that firm Partners Michael E. Tolbert and Shelice R. Tolbert have once again been named to The National Black Lawyers Top 100 list, a prestigious, invitation-only recognition honoring accomplished African American attorneys across the country.

The National Black Lawyers recognizes distinguished attorneys who demonstrate professional excellence, outstanding legal representation, leadership, and a commitment to their communities. Its mission includes celebrating legal excellence, connecting accomplished attorneys nationwide, and providing opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

For the Tolberts, this recognition represents more than professional achievement. It reflects years of dedication to their clients, their hometown of Gary, Indiana, and their shared commitment to making quality legal services accessible while giving back to the communities they serve.

"To be recognized again among distinguished attorneys across the country is truly humbling. We are grateful for the opportunity to do work that we love, but our greatest reward will always be making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve," said Michael E. Tolbert.

Shelice R. Tolbert added, "This recognition is especially meaningful because the work has always been about more than practicing law. It is about opening doors, creating opportunities, advocating for others, and demonstrating that excellence and service go hand in hand. I am grateful for the journey and remain committed to serving with purpose and compassion."

To view the entire list, visit nbltop100.org.

The Tolberts Take Their Fitness Game

to the New Gary YMCA!

The Tolberts are taking their fitness game to the next level! Recently, Attorneys Michael E. Tolbert and Shelice R. Tolbert officially joined the newly opened Gary YMCA, showing their support for one of their hometown’s exciting new community investments.

Located at 1771 Taney Place in Gary’s Tolleston neighborhood, the state-of-the-art Gary YMCA is part of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, a major community development bringing together the Crossroads YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and Methodist Hospitals.

The approximately $50 million campus includes a modern wellness center, three full-size basketball courts, an indoor track, swimming pools, classrooms, childcare, community gathering spaces and a host of programs designed to promote healthy living and youth development.

For the Tolberts, joining the Y is about more than getting in a good workout. It is also about supporting the city they call home and investing in resources that strengthen the entire community.

“Gary is our hometown, and we are excited to see this level of investment in our community,” said Michael E. Tolbert. “The new YMCA provides an incredible resource for individuals and families. We believe in supporting the institutions that help make our hometown stronger, healthier and more vibrant. We encourage everyone to come out, take a look and become part of what is happening here.”

The Tolberts are encouraging Gary residents and neighboring communities to visit the new facility, explore its programs and consider becoming members. Their message is simple: supporting the YMCA means supporting a resource that can help people of all ages move, grow, connect and thrive.

“Wellness is an important part of living a balanced and fulfilling life, which we wholly embrace," added Shelice R. Tolbert. "Having a beautiful, modern facility like this right here in Gary is something our community should embrace. It also offers great memories for us as the building was formerly Tolleston Middle School where Michael and I attended school years ago.”

The accompanying photo captures the Tolberts completing their membership sign-up with a friendly YMCA team member, India Gault. Adding a special hometown connection to the moment, the young woman who assisted them is the cousin of former Chicago Bears player Willie Gault.

The new Gary YMCA is open, and the Tolberts are all in!

Tolbert & Tolbert Partner Michael E. Tolbert Shares Insights on Diversity in ADR at Notre Dame Law School

Tolbert & Tolbert is proud to celebrate firm Partner Michael E. Tolbert, who was invited to speak at Notre Dame Law School for an important conversation on Diversity in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Joining Dr. Michael Jenuwine, Tolbert participated in a discussion highlighting the work of the Indiana Supreme Court Commission on Race and Gender Fairness' Diversity in ADR Committee. The committee is committed to advancing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of alternative dispute resolution while creating more opportunities for meaningful participation and representation.

The discussion explored the importance of building a more inclusive ADR profession and the role legal professionals and institutions can play in shaping a fairer, more representative legal system.

"It was an honor and privilege to represent Tolbert & Tolbert in these important conversations," said Tolbert. "My participation reflects the firm's commitment to professional excellence, community engagement, and advancing meaningful dialogue on issues that shape the future of the legal profession.

Congratulations to Michael E. Tolbert for representing Tolbert & Tolbert and contributing to this important work!

Attorney Shelice R. Tolbert Supports Breast Cancer Awareness at Laini Fluellen Charities’ Pink Tie Affair

Attorney Shelice R. Tolbert continues to demonstrate her commitment to community service through her role as a board member of Laini Fluellen Charities.

On October 23, Tolbert joined supporters, advocates and community leaders at the 15th Annual Pink Tie Affair, held at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary.

The signature fundraising gala brings attention to breast cancer, with a special focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), while raising funds for research, early detection, breast health education and support for patients and families. This year’s milestone celebration continued the organization’s mission of turning awareness into meaningful action and expanding resources for those impacted by the disease.

Tolbert was also featured in a photograph included in ABC 7 Chicago’s news coverage of the event, bringing additional visibility to the important work of Laini Fluellen Charities.

Watch the ABC 7 Chicago news clip: Eyewitness News – October 25, 2026

"I remain committed to supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Northwest Indiana," said Tolbert. "Until there is a cure for breast cancer, there is much work to be done."

Atty. Michael Tolbert Joins Lakeshore Public Media Panel Exploring the Spirit of American Service

With the nation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Lakeshore Public Media brought history and civic engagement together through a special screening and community discussion of PBS’s The American Revolution.

Held at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library, the program, titled “The American Revolution: The Spirit of Service,” featured excerpts from the acclaimed documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

Following the screening, Atty. Michael E. Tolbert joined a distinguished panel of regional leaders. Other panelists included Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe, Dr. Ellen Szarleta of Indiana University Northwest, People's Bank Vice President Paul Rodriguez and youth innovator Isaiah Harvey.

The discussion explored service as a foundational American value, examining the importance of volunteerism, civic participation, public leadership and the responsibility individuals and institutions share in strengthening their communities. A public question-and-answer session also invited attendees to engage in the conversation.

"This discussion provided an opportunity for me to connect the nation's founding ideals with the responsibilities of leadership and service today," recounted Tolbert.

The PBS documentary is an expansive six-part, 12-hour examination of the American Revolution, exploring the people, conflicts, sacrifices and competing perspectives that shaped the nation's founding. The series also challenges viewers to consider how the promises and ideals of the Declaration of Independence continue to influence American life.

The program was presented by Lakeshore Public Media in partnership with Indiana Humanities, with support from the Lake County Public Library and other community partners.

"Catching up with the Tolberts"

In this episode, the Tolberts reflect on the aftermath of the August 11th Storm while sharing legal nuggets of advice.

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.