Siobhan Tolar
Siobhan Tolar is a dedicated municipal attorney with a deep commitment to public service, equity, and government innovation. Currently practicing at Kennedy and Graven Chartered, her legal expertise spans municipal law, economic development, contract compliance, and federal grants. A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Siobhan previously spent over a decade serving in the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office, where she advanced from prosecutor to Senior Assistant City Attorney. In that role, she provided strategic legal guidance to the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity and the Office of Financial Services. Her work has consistently focused on supporting inclusive policies, improving legal processes, and fostering ethical governance at the local level.
Siobhan’s path to the law was shaped by a lifelong love of reading and a deep passion for justice, sparked by her early interest in social issues and human rights. She began her career enforcing labor standards as a compliance officer and was later mentored by leaders who encouraged her to pursue law as a tool for community impact. In addition to her legal work, she serves as Co-Chair of the Just Deeds Project in Saint Paul—helping to remove racial covenants from property deeds—and Chair of the Equity Change Team within her former office. Siobhan also gives back through nonprofit involvement, including roles with Ujama and the Landmark Center board of directors, further reflecting her dedication to equity, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
• Hampton University
• University of Minnesota- B.A.
• William Mitchell College of Law- J.D.
What do you attribute your success to?
Siobhan attributes her success to the invaluable support of mentors and colleagues throughout her career—especially a former boss at Target who championed her growth, and a law school classmate whose unwavering encouragement helped her persevere through the profound loss of her mother.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Siobhan advises young women entering the legal field to stay grounded in their passion for the work and to avoid comparing their journey to others—reminding them that success is not one-size-fits-all and fulfillment comes from following what truly inspires you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a Black woman attorney in Minnesota, Siobhan sees one of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—as increasing representation and equity within the legal profession, where women attorneys of color remain significantly underrepresented, making her presence and advocacy both impactful and deeply meaningful.