Tolbert Couple Named to Top 100 Lawyers

Michael E. and Shelice R. Tolbert, partners at Tolbert & Tolbert in Gary, have again been recognized by National Black Lawyers' Top 100 list.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in African-American

National Black Lawyers has named Michael E. Tolbert and Shelice R. Tolbert to its Top 100 list, an invitation-only recognition of African American attorneys. The husband-and-wife partners at Tolbert & Tolbert in Gary have received the honor more than once.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in their areas of practice, and the organization offers networking, professional development, and collaboration opportunities to its members nationwide. For Gary and Northwest Indiana residents, it spotlights a local firm earning national professional standing.

The National Black Lawyers Top 100 is an invitation-only list capped at 100 names, and the Tolberts have appeared on it more than once. The source does not detail the specific selection criteria or practice areas recognized.

The players

National Black Lawyers

A national organization that recognizes African American attorneys for excellence and provides networking and professional development opportunities.

Michael E. Tolbert

A Gary, Indiana attorney and partner at Tolbert & Tolbert who has been named to the National Black Lawyers Top 100.

Shelice R. Tolbert

A Gary, Indiana attorney and partner at Tolbert & Tolbert who has been named to the National Black Lawyers Top 100 alongside her husband.

The details

Michael E. Tolbert and Shelice R. Tolbert, who are married and practice together at Tolbert & Tolbert in Gary, were included on the National Black Lawyers Top 100 list. The honor recognizes African American attorneys whose professional accomplishments and leadership distinguish them within the legal community.

November 9, 2026: Article announcing the Tolberts' repeat Top 100 recognition was published.

Culture Shift

Recognition programs like the National Black Lawyers Top 100 reflect a broader push to make professional excellence among Black attorneys visible within the legal profession. Repeat honorees such as the Tolberts show how such lists track sustained achievement over time rather than one-off accomplishments.

Residents in Gary and Northwest Indiana who need legal representation can look to a locally based firm that has earned national professional recognition. The honor signals the firm's standing among peers across the country.

The takeaway

Recognition from peer-selected lists can highlight attorneys who combine skill with sustained leadership in their communities. Readers seeking legal help can review such honors alongside practice experience and local ties.