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Tolbert & Tolbert LLC
Valparaiso University School of Law, 2000
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I sought a profession that would allow me to do the most good and impact my community. I wanted to be a part of a profession that gave me the training to change the world.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I would own some type of business. My father was really big on entrepreneurship and always told me and my brothers to work for ourselves.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
I would have to say Reginald Lewis. He was the first African American lawyer to open up a law firm on Wall Street and also the first African American billionaire. We both have similar backgrounds, from playing football in college to being members of the same fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. His life showed me that I can accomplish anything. No excuses.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My father always told me to “keep God first and I can accomplish anything.”
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
Diligence, hard work and honesty.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
I wish people knew that lawyers are fun! Lawyers have the best personalities and genuinely care about people.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
As a young lawyer, I had the opportunity to go to “cattle calls” which were in-person court conferences where the majority of lawyers in a given county would be present. Because of telephone conferences and zoom hearings, today, we rarely have these types of hearings anymore, which is a shame. During “cattle calls,” I learned to always be prepared no matter how small you think the case or client might be. I also learned that good lawyering is more than just technical know-how but developing solid relationships with your opposing counsel. At the end of the day, the legal profession is about people, not briefs or statutes.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I am a black belt in karate.
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