The New Jersey State Bar Association is currently accepting nominations for the Mel Narol Award, which is presented to NJSBA members who have been leaders for inclusion and made strides for women and diverse lawyers.

The award commemorates Mel Narol's commitment to the work of and enthusiastic support of the Task Force on Diversity. Narol was a charter member of the task force and worked tirelessly on the project to make the diversity efforts within the NJSBA a permanent order of business. Through his leadership, what began as a small task force has grown into a permanent standing committee.

Narol felt strongly that the NJSBA should be at the forefront of diversity and inclusion, strategically, for the sake of the development of membership, and because it was the right and most natural thing to do for today and the future.

To nominate an individual for the 2019 award, provide a complete bio of the nominee, along with an explanation supporting the nomination, Kate Coscarelli, [email protected], no later than Wednesday, Feb. 28.

NJSBA hosts discussion for law firm and affinity bar leaders

The New Jersey State Bar Association hosted a roundtable discussion for the leaders of the state's largest law firms and the heads of affinity bar organizations on Jan. 17.

The event addressed the major issues confronting law firms in the state and the profession as a whole, with a focus on having an open dialogue about creating a diverse and inclusive profession.

The program, which was held at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, allowed the leaders to engage in high-level discussions and look for practical solutions to some of the critical issues facing the profession in New Jersey. The topics included finding ways to attract and keep lawyers new to the profession; how to fully embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion; and ensuring that qualified attorneys are filling the various vacancies on the superior court bench.