J. Wade Padgett

Professional career

• He has served as an advisor and presenter to the Council of Probate Judges.
• He has served as a presenter in educational classes for law students, lawyers, judges, and others.
• In 2024, Judge Padgett was the recipient of the Emory Findley award, an award honoring service to the Council of Superior Court judges.
• He was elected to serve as an officer of the Council of Superior Court Judges, ultimately serving as President of the Council in 2021-2022.
• He served as a Superior Court judge for the Augusta Judicial Circuit and was one of three judges appointed to the Columbia Judicial Circuit when that circuit was formed in 2021.
• On February 3, 2009, Judge Padgett was appointed to the Superior Court bench by Governor Sonny Perdue.
• Judge Padgett served as Chief Magistrate of Columbia County until he was appointed to the Superior Court bench.
• Because his duties as a Magistrate Judge were part-time, he also practiced law while serving in Magistrate Court.
• He was elected Chief Magistrate of Columbia County in 2005.
• In 1995, Judge Padgett was appointed as an Associate Magistrate Judge for Columbia County.
• Following law school, Judge Padgett served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit where he served as a violent crimes prosecutor and led the office’s team dealing with crimes against children.
• He was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the 96 th judge of the Court of Appeals.

Judicial service

• Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia
• He was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the 96 th judge of the Court of Appeals.
• In 1995, Judge Padgett was appointed as an Associate Magistrate Judge for Columbia County.
• He was elected Chief Magistrate of Columbia County in 2005.
• Because his duties as a Magistrate Judge were part-time, he also practiced law while serving in Magistrate Court.
• During his time as a member of the Council of Magistrate Judges, he chaired the Uniform Rules Committee.
• Judge Padgett served as Chief Magistrate of Columbia County until he was appointed to the Superior Court bench.

Education

• Leadership Augusta
• went on to serve as Chairman of their Board of Directors in 2003

Personal record

Atlanta but has spent the majority of his professional career in the Augusta area.  He obtained a BA in history from the University of Georgia in 1987.  He earned his law degree from Georgia State University in 1990.  While in law school, he received several awards and was extremely involved with the Student Trial Advocacy program led by Attorney Tom Jones.