A Message from Dean Matthew
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform you of the death of one of our most beloved faculty members, Susan R. Jones, Professor of Clinical Law. Professor Jones, who served as Director and Supervising Attorney of GW Law’s Small Business & Community Economic Development Clinic since 1988, was the Clinical Program's longest-serving faculty member. Her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Professor Jones will be remembered not just as an impactful lawyer, but as a pioneer in legal academia. She was one of the first Black women transactional clinicians in the country, teaching students about the possibilities and power of transactional law to create, support, and grow neighborhood small businesses, nonprofit organizations, worker cooperatives, and social enterprises. She produced work that was both cutting-edge and practical. Her most recent book, Investing for Social Impact, Economic Justice, and Racial Equity, for example, was one of the first community economic development books on impact investing.
Professor Jones’ international work further exemplified her dedication to advancing justice and equity on a global scale. In Fall 2023, she began her work as a Fulbright Specialist at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom where she showcased her expertise in community economic development, inspiring students and faculty alike. Her ability to bridge cultures and continents through her research was truly remarkable. She earned numerous recognitions for her work, including the Transform Mid-Atlantic's Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Civic & Community Engagement Award in recognition of her commitment to positive social change. She was awarded Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) Lifetime Achievement Award for distinctive service to the greater Washington, DC, creative community and for her 20 years of service on the WALA Board of Directors.
Professor Jones was known throughout the GW Law community for her legal brilliance, her dedication, and her kindness. She cared deeply about her students, clients, and alumni, as well as about their ability to make formidable changes in DC and beyond. Her Clinic—the Small Business and Community Economic Development Clinic—as well as her client work, policy projects, and publications, exemplified her tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable society. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
With many thanks to Professor Andrea Willis-Johnson, we have learned that in lieu of flowers, the family asks that Professor Jones’ memory be honored with contributions to a scholarship fund named in honor of her mother, Dr. Shirley Jones, Emeritus at the University of Albany. Contributions can be made to the University of Albany Foundation. You can donate as I have through the link or send a check to the address below.
Checks can be sent to:
The University at Albany Foundation
1400 Washington Ave, UAB 226
Albany, NY 12222
Attn: Shirley Jones Opportunity Fund IMO Susan Jones
Celebration of Life for Susan will be held on Friday, May 17. The service is scheduled at 11 am, preceded by a family visitation at 10 am, and followed by a repast. The location is:
Unity of Washington, DC
1225 R Street, NW
Washington, DC
Tributes from Professor Jones' Colleagues
"This is such a heartbreaking loss for our community. I met Susan as a 1L, and shortly after became her Research Assistant until I graduated. As an alum, we wrote together, and I frequently called her when I had questions or needed to bounce ideas off of someone in corporate practice. She was extremely busy but always made time. Susan will always be remembered in my mind as a cheerleader, mentor, friend, and someone who was open to reimagining ways to improve broken legal and policy systems. She pushed students to firmly believe in the positive impact and changes they could see in the world with their careers as transactional lawyers. I am indebted to her for her generous spirit and deep investment in the attorney I am today."
- Andrea Willis-Johnson, Managing Attorney & Associate Program Director of the Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics; Professorial Lecturer in Law
"Susan was simply an extraordinary scholar, teacher, member of the law school, AALS, and DC Community, and social justice engineer. Just as importantly, in the many decades that I knew her, Susan was always pleasant, tolerant, and thoughtful in even the most challenging circumstances and conversation. She was a jewel."
- Alfreda Robinson, Associate Dean for Trial Advocacy; Professorial Lecturer in Law; Co-Director of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program
"It is very difficult to imagine a world - or a GW - without Susan in it. She was one of the best human beings imaginable and an inspiration to all who knew her."
- Theresa Gabaldon, Lyle T. Alverson Professor of Law; Director of Academic Programs and Administration, C-LEAF
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Susan's passing. She was an excellent colleague and a thoroughly decent human being, giving the best of herself and seeing the best in others. I will miss her."
- Michael Abramowicz, Associate Dean for Strategy and Innovation; Oppenheim Professor of Law