Attorney Shelice R. Tolbert Receives

“Diversity in the Law” Award from Indiana Lawyers

Earlier this month, the Indiana Lawyers, a news publication dedicated to reporting important news that impacts lawyers, presented awards to 23 attorneys and judges with the “Diversity in the Law” Award. Among the honorees was Gary's own Attorney Shelice R. Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Legal.

A breakfast reception was held in Indianapolis at the Indiana Roof Ballroom where the cohort of 23 recipients was announced. Attorney Michael E. Tolbert was in attendance in support of his wife and legal partner.

“Shelice’s unassuming personality causes us to oftentimes forget the many glass ceilings she has shattered in the legal profession, and the people of color she has carried, barefoot, over the broken glass," said Atty. Michael E. Tolbert. "From being the first African American woman to serve as President of the Lake County Bar Association, to actively serving as a mentor to many women of color, Shelice is a great example of putting God first, and the impact Black women can have when provided the opportunity.” 

The Diversity in Law Award recognizes attorneys and judges from across the state and across practice types who have contributed to efforts to diversify the Hoosier legal profession through mentorship, law firm committees, bar association initiatives, educational programs, and more.

"God is the main motivating factor in anything I do, but definitely in my diversity efforts," said Atty. Shelice R. Tolbert. "I believe that God provides us with the wisdom and opportunity to change things, including opening doors for people that look like me."

Tolbert & Tolbert, LLC Earns MBE Certification

Attorneys Michael and Shelice Tolbert recently received the exciting news that their firm Tolbert & Tolbert, LLC has been certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the Indiana Department of Administration, Division of Supplier Diversity.

This designation qualifies the firm for subcontracting opportunities on state contracts, notification of state business opportunities and invitations to business networking events.

"We are truly grateful for this designation and recognize the significant benefits and positive exposure it will bring to our firm," said Atty. Michael E. Tolbert.

Businesses must undergo a stringent evaluation process to qualify for MBE Certification. In addition, they must be 51 percent-owned by qualifying minorities and possess expertise in a specific field and/or industry.

Check out the Latest Episode of

"Catching up with the Tolberts"

In this episode of "Catching Up with the Tolberts," the counselors talk about the reactions to the electric bus that is wrapped in their likeness, community service activities, a special statewide honor earned by Atty. Shelice R. Tolbert and more! Watch here!

Check out the Latest Podcast Episode of

"Married People's Business" and

help us Reach 1,000 Subscribers!

The Tolberts’ podcast, “Married People Business” is a success! The most recent episode features married couple, Nathaniel and Robin Shannon, of Shannon Farm and Homestead, LLC. The intriguing conversation surrounds urban farming, food apartheid, marriage, and the benefits of growing your own food.

Can you help the Tolberts achieve their goal of reaching more than 1,000 subscribers on YouTube by the end of the year? If you are reading this newsletter, and would like to support the creation of positive content that promotes personal and professional growth here’s a simple way to do it:

Simply click this Married People’s Business YouTube channel link, open a video, and hit the “subscribe” button. And it's absolutley free!

Also, you are cordially invited to search “Married People’s Business Podcast” on Apple podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. Once you see the Married People’s Business Podcast, simply hit the “follow” button, download the episode, listen, and don’t forget to like and rate the podcast. It’s just that simple and FREE!!  

Thanks in advance for your support!

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 undeserved 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.