Margaret Washburn is a distinguished attorney with a rich and varied career in the legal profession. Her dedication and expertise have earned her numerous honors and accolades, and she is highly regarded in her field.
Education & Early Career:
Margaret began her journey in law at Emory University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree. After graduation, she embarked on her legal career, working as an Associate at Lamb & Associates from 1980 to 1981. Her passion for justice and advocacy led her to serve as an Assistant Solicitor at the DeKalb County Solicitor's Office from 1981 to 1983. During this period, she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in criminal law.
Establishing Her Legacy:
In 1985, Margaret co-founded the esteemed law firm, Washburn & Washburn, where she worked tirelessly to serve her clients and uphold the principles of justice. Her dedication and commitment to the legal community garnered her the respect of her peers and clients alike.
Contributions to Municipal Courts:
Margaret's expertise extended to the realm of municipal courts, where she played an essential role in delivering fair and just decisions. She served as Chief Judge for the City of Duluth from 1985 to 2005, and as an Associate Judge for the City of Berkeley Lake in 2018. Additionally, she served as Chief Judge for the City of Sugar Hill in 1991 and was a Judge for the City of Buford from 2000 to 2007.
Published Works & Legal Insight:
Beyond her work in the courtroom, Margaret's passion for the law led her to share her knowledge and insights with the legal community. She contributed extensively to legal publications, including the Gwinnett County Bar Association Newsletter and the State Bar of Georgia Family Law Section Newsletter. Her articles covered a wide range of topics, from family law updates to evidence questions and judicial ethics, demonstrating her dedication to staying informed and sharing her expertise with others.
Honors & Recognition:
Margaret's exceptional legal acumen and dedication to her profession have not gone unnoticed. She has been AV Rated by Lexis Nexis-Martindale Hubbell, recognizing her exceptional legal ability and ethical standards. Furthermore, she received the prestigious Super Lawyers designation in both 2021 and 2022, a testament to her exemplary legal skills and achievements. Margaret's impact on the legal community has been profound, earning her multiple awards and recognition. She received the Gwinnett County Bar Association Award of Merit in 2016 and was honored with the Council for Municipal Court Judges Special Recognition Award in June 2012. Additionally, Margaret's contributions to the Gwinnett County Bar Association's newsletter earned her 13 awards from the State Bar of Georgia Newsletter.
Margaret's dedication to community service and leadership is exemplified by her active involvement in organizations such as the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Inn of Court, where she served as a Master. She was also a Past President of the Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia and the Gwinnett County Bar Association.
In addition to her professional achievements, Margaret was recognized by Gwinnett Magazine as People of the Year from 2007 to 2018 and was featured in the magazine's People to Know list from 2009 to 2018, showcasing her impact on the local community.
Teaching & Continuing Legal Education:
Margaret's passion for education led her to serve as a speaker at various legal seminars and classes, including the Family Law Institute from 2014 to 2015. Her commitment to staying current with legal developments and sharing her knowledge further underscores her dedication to the legal profession.
Professional Associations & Committees:
Throughout her illustrious career, Margaret has been an active member of various legal associations and committees. She has been involved with the State Bar of Georgia, serving on the Chief Justice's Committee on Professionalism and the Law Practice Management Program Committee. Additionally, Margaret contributed her time and expertise to the Gwinnett County Pro-Bono Project Advisory Committee and the Georgia Mock Trial Competition as a Coach and Judge.
Conclusion:
Margaret Washburn's outstanding career in law, her dedication to the legal community, and her contributions to the justice system have solidified her place as a respected and admired attorney. Her commitment to justice, fairness, and community service serve as a shining example to legal professionals and aspiring advocates alike.
