Tomblin makes judicial appointment

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin chose an experienced Charleston attorney to be Kanawha County’s next circuit judge. Tomblin named Joanna Tabit to the position Thursday.

Tabit will take the place of longtime Judge Paul Zakaib who recently retired. Tabit was chosen out of more than a dozen attorneys who originally applied for the job.

“Judge Zakaib has been a pillar of the Kanawha County courts for more than 25 years, and his commitment to serving the people of Kanawha County will be remembered for years to come,” Gov. Tomblin said in a news release. “As Joanna takes on her new role as Circuit Judge, I’m confident her experience and talents will serve her and the people of Kanawha County well.”

Tabit began her law career in 1986 after earning a law degree from WVU and before that an undergraduate degree from Marshall University.

Judge Zakaib has been on senior status until a new judge is seated. A swearing-in ceremony is expected soon.