Episode 56: Michael and Shelice Tolbert (Tolbert & Tolbert Law)

Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity.  According to a recent count, Gary’s population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%.  Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, and durability.  Like most urban communities, Gary has seen its share of crime and violence, and during the 1990s, it was once labeled as one of Indiana’s most dangerous places to live.  Fast forward to 2022, that stigma has faded away, and Gary’s identity is being rebuilt by those who believe that its greatest days are within distance.  That is the story of Michael and Shelice Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law.  True to their roots, they are building one of Indiana’s top law firms in the heart of Gary.  Having their practice based in Gary, Indiana, is critically important to this power couple. 

 Michael and Shelice have enjoyed 15 years of marriage.  Their union appears to be almost purposeful.  They both pursued careers to practice law.  Michael received his formal education in the Gary, IN, public school system.  He later attended and graduated from Valparaiso University as an undergraduate and Valparaiso University School of Law.  He is a believer and faith-based individual and professes that nothing in his life would be possible without God.

Shelice was also formally educated in the Gary public school system and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH.  After graduating from there, she came back to Gary and “followed” Michael to Valparaiso School of Law.  She describes herself as a family-oriented, homebody, down-to-earth type of person who desires to help others.  

 Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law opened their doors to the public on January 26, 2015.  However, Shelice says the idea to open the firm was conceptualized many years before that.  Michael says they like to describe themselves as a litigation boutique, meaning they do complex litigation for individuals, cities, towns, municipalities, and higher exposure litigation matters, involving millions of dollars hanging in the balance.  Often, companies engaged in complex litigation matters will hire them to help guide them through the process.  However, they do not do any family law or criminal cases.  Additionally, Michael is a certified mediator, a resource their firm utilizes for Alternative Dispute Resolutions.  

Michael and Shelice are proud to share that Tolbert & Tolbert is a Christian-based firm.  “We openly pray in our office.  We have scripture everywhere,” he says.  Their mission statement is Christian-based as well.  “Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals”.  Michael says their mission statement is placed in two strategic places in their office; one at the front of the office and the other at the back door.  “It’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see before you leave.  It’s a constant reminder of who your source is, which is God and not man.  That inspires me, knowing that I have a God who has blessed me enough to have a wife and family who cares about me and be able to have a successful business and help people in our community.  We are doing what we love in a community that we love and loves us back.

For those who may follow in their footsteps, the Tolberts offer some advice.  “Always believe in something.  Pray to God for what you want and speak what you want.  Be positive and stay encouraged.  Just because there is a bump in the road, or things are not happening the way you would like for them to, “it doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you.  Stay the course and persevere.  Things will get hard sometimes, but if they weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it,” they shared.  

To learn more about Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys At Law, please visit their website at www.tolbertlegal.com

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