Experience. Integrity. Leadership.

Born in South Atlanta, Judge Padgett's mother was a public school teacher, and his father served as a police officer and GBI Agent. A stand-out athlete who played in the 1976 Little League World Series, Wade graduated from Riverwood High School and played football at Newberry College before transferring to the University of Georgia. He then earned his law degree from Georgia State University, where he also met his wife, Alice Wheatley.

Judge Padgett began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. He later moved into private practice, handling a broad range of cases including criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, and administrative matters. In 2005, he was elected Chief Magistrate of Columbia County, and in 2009, was appointed to the Superior Court by Governor Sonny Perdue.

Over the next 15 years, Judge Padgett presided over thousands of cases and earned a reputation for being tough but fair, well-prepared, and committed to applying the law consistently. He also became a leader in judicial education, chairing Georgia's New Judge Training Program and serving as President of the Council of Superior Court Judges from 2021 to 2022. He has helped train more than 180 judges across the state. In 2024, he was appointed to the Court of Appeals.