The NJILGA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award was created by the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys in 2023. The award is presented annually “In Recognition of an Attorney Who Has Demonstrated Leadership, Innovation, Creativity and Positive Impact in the Promotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession, in Local Government and in the Community in General.” The award is customarily presented in November at the Institute’s Social Event during the annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. Recipients thus far have been Eric S. Pennington (2023), Victor A. Afanador (2024) and Julien Xavier Neals (2025) Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.