The New Jersey State Bar Association is now accepting nominations for two awards that will be presented at the Diversity Luncheon at the 2025 NJSBA Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City on May 15. The nomination deadline for both awards is March 10.
Please note, per the rules of the Administrative Office of the Courts since 2017, sitting state judges are not eligible for either of these awards. All individual nominees should be members of the NJSBA.
All nominations should be emailed to Paula Saha, Senior Managing Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Member Engagement, at [email protected]. Please indicate the name of the award in the email subject line.
The Judge Lisa P. Thornton Award
This award commemorates the life and professional accomplishments of the late Monmouth County Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton. Recipients of this award should, in particular, reflect Assignment Judge Thornton’s legacy as a beloved mentor who inspired others to respect and pursue careers in the law.
Other qualities nominees should exhibit include:
- Having overcome barriers to achieve career success;
- Showing compassion and fairness in their practice;
- Giving back to their communities through mentorship and exhibited leadership skills through membership in professional and community groups;
- Having a reputation for integrity and professionalism.
- Having a demonstrated commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession.
- To make a nomination, submit CV or resume of the nominees as well as a narrative of how they reflect Assignment Judge Thornton’s legacy, as outlined above. Recipients will be chosen by a committee comprised of NJSBA trustees and Diversity Committee members.
Mel Narol Award
The Mel Narol Award is presented to NJSBA members or other entities that have spearheaded inclusion and made strides for women and minority lawyers.
The award is named for the late NJSBA Officer and Trustee Mel Narol and commemorates his support and commitment as a charter member of the Task Force on Diversity, a predecessor to the Diversity Committee. Narol worked tirelessly to weave diversity initiatives into the fabric of the NJSBA and the Award celebrates that work, as well as Narol’s collegiality and unwavering kindness.
The recommended award recipient is chosen at a meeting of the Diversity Committee, and must be approved by the NJSBA Board of Trustees. The chairs of the Diversity Committee have the authority to decide the voting process and may, at their discretion, recommend the award be given to more than one recipient.
To submit a nomination, please submit the candidate’s CV, resume or bio, along with a written statement of support.
To see a list of past recipients of the Narol Award, please click here.