---
title: "J. Wade Padgett | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/j-wade-padgett-ga-appeals"
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updated: "2026-09-06"
---

# J. Wade Padgett

Court of Appeals of Georgia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Georgia
- State: Georgia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Led the New Judge Orientation Program for Georgia Superior Court judges (2014–present)
- Judge J. Wade Padgett is a nonpartisan judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, appointed in 2024 and re‐elected in 2026, with over three decades of judicial and legal service in Georgia
- Superior Court Judge (2009–2024): Augusta Circuit; later part of Columbia Judicial Circuit
- 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
- Associate Magistrate Judge (1995–2004): Columbia County; later Chief Magistrate (2005–2009)
- Private Practice: Associate at O. Franklin Askin, Jr. P.C. (1993–1995); later founded J. Wade Padgett, P.C
- Position: Judge, Georgia Court of Appeals (96th judge)
- While in law school, he received several awards and was extremely involved with the Student Trial Advocacy program led by Attorney Tom Jones
- Because his duties as a Magistrate Judge were part-time, he also practiced law while serving in Magistrate Court

### Education

- Law degree from Georgia State University in 1990.
- BA in history from the University of Georgia in 1987.

### Additional information

- In 2024, Judge Padgett was the recipient of the Emory Findley award, an award honoring service to the Council of Superior Court judges.
- Elected to serve as an officer of the Council of Superior Court Judges, ultimately serving as President of the Council in 2021-2022.
- Elected Chief Magistrate of Columbia County in 2005.
- went on to serve as Chairman of their Board of Directors in 2003
- Appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the 96
- th
- Chief Magistrate of Columbia County until he was appointed to the Superior Court bench.
- Presenter in educational classes for law students, lawyers, judges, and others.
- Advisor and presenter to the Council of Probate Judges.
- Official site: Georgia Court of Appeals — J. Wade Padgett
- 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.
- Leadership Augusta
- During his time as a member of the Council of Magistrate Judges, he chaired the Uniform Rules Committee.
- Birth place: Atlanta but has spent the majority of his professional career in the Augusta area.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic devices and recording

Scope: statewide

Georgia's class-specific Uniform Court Rules govern electronic devices and recording in state trial courts. Before using recording, photography, livestreaming, or similar courtroom technology, confirm the governing rule and the assigned court's procedure.

Evidence excerpt: Uniform Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal and Probate Court Rules

[Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.gaappeals.gov/j-wade-padgett/)
- [Official roster](https://www.gaappeals.gov/j-wade-padgett/)
- [Court of Appeals of Georgia official judicial roster](https://www.gaappeals.gov/judges/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Georgia Courts Directory](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/661d62cc1a31bf0027b96b78/)
- [Official biography source for J. Wade Padgett](https://www.gaappeals.gov/j-wade-padgett/)

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