Westmoreland Honors Judge MacNabb on Retirement
By Leigh Claffey
December 19, 2012
On Tuesday, December 18, Congressman Westmoreland submitted a proclamation to the US House of Representatives’ Congressional Record to commemorate the retirement of Judge Joseph P. MacNabb's of Newnan, Georgia. Below are his remarks:
“Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to commemorate the retirement of Judge Joseph P. MacNabb. Over the years, Judge MacNabb has proved his dedication to the people of the Third District and Georgia and his presence in the community will not be forgotten.
Joseph MacNabb was born in Newnan, Georgia to George and Ella MacNabb. He graduated with top honors from Newnan High School and attended of Emory University. Following Emory, Judge MacNabb graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law and served as the First Chairman of the Moot Court Board.
Judge MacNabb used his degree to truly serve people. While he was a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps in the United States Army, Judge MacNabb spent time in the Republic of Korea and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After his service abroad, he returned to Georgia and practiced law in Newnan for 43 years as a Partner in the law firm of Mathews, Knight & MacNabb, and then as a Partner in law firm of Rosenzwig, Jones & MacNabb. His hard work did not go unnoticed in the community, as he was elected President of the Newnan Bar Association in 1978 and represented the Coweta County Board of Education for 16 years.
Judge MacNabb was appointed Judge of the Juvenile Court of Coweta County in 1982 and served for 31 years. He was also appointed Judge of the Juvenile Court of Heard County in 1991 and served for 21years. During his time as Juvenile Judge in Coweta County, he was instrumental in helping establish a permanent home for the Juvenile Court in 2006, earning widespread praise in the community for his commitment to the juvenile court system.
Throughout his career, Judge MacNabb has shown his ability to help others, be the cases big or small. His work abroad on behalf of our nation and in the local community shows his dedication to the legal system and those who are struggling within it. A judge is a man of character and integrity, and Judge MacNabb epitomizes what, which is why I am proud to help honor his service today. Joan and I wish our best to Judge MacNabb as he begins his next journey, and hope he has a long and happy retirement.”
Leigh Claffey is Congressman Westmoreland's staff assistant.