When Sue McAvoy retires later this summer, the legacy of her 20-year career will be its immense impact on the public interest community in Atlanta and throughout the country. Eighteen years ago, she started the Emory Public Interest Committee Inspiration Awards, which celebrate lawyers who do extraordinary work. The event raises funds to underwrite summer public interest jobs for up to 50 law students annually. 

As director and public interest advisor for Emory Law’s Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy, McAvoy has worked tirelessly to help students find public interest positions. She organized career fairs in Atlanta and New York, and is an active member in the National Association for Law Placement. She recently received Emory’s Award of Distinction, which recognizes Emory employees for exceptional dedication to their jobs. She was honored along with other recipients at a dinner hosted by President James Wagner.  

McAvoy is also responsible for the Public Sector Career Fair, which in 2013 brought more than 80 employers to interview and hire Georgia law school students. Within the law school, she’s been a champion for reducing waste—insisting on composting options, creating signs to encourage use of compost and recycling bins, and ensuring that recycling is a part of every event. McAvoy was also an advocate for policies that require employees to travel, eat, and work more sustainably. 

McAvoy’s official retirement celebration is Oct. 1. The law school will conduct a national search to find the next leader for professional development and career strategy.