The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) is seeking nominations for the Mel Narol Award and the Pro Bono Awards.

The Mel Narol Award honors members or organizations that have advanced the cause of inclusion and diversity. New Jersey Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, a practicing attorney, was the recipient of the 2019 award, recognizing her leadership championing causes related to economic, social and racial equality in New Jersey.

The award is named in honor of the late Mel Narol, a charter member of the NJSBA Task Force on Diversity, who worked tirelessly for diversity in the legal profession and who believed the NJSBA should be at the forefront of promoting that principle. Narol helped launch the Specialty Bar Summit.

To submit a nomination, please provide a complete bio or profile of the nominee or entity, and an explanation supporting the nomination, to Paula Saha, director of diversity, inclusion and community engagement, at psaha@njsba. com, no later than March 3. The Mel Narol Award will be presented at the NJSBA Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City.

The Pro Bono Awards recognize attorneys and law firms for outstanding commitment to providing legal services to underserved residents in New Jersey.

The 2019 awards recognized attorneys and firms who fought for a variety of social justice issues, including child asylum cases and helping low-income individuals expunge criminal records.

For a complete listing of the award criteria, and to obtain a nomination form, visit njsba.com. The submission deadline is April 24. The awards will be presented at the NJSBA Pro Bono Committee's Pro Bono Reception in October.