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Jason Waddell is a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney. He was born & raised in Athens, GA. He is a graduate of The University of Georgia & Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. While at Cumberland, Jason focused his studies on Estate Planning and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Following graduation Jason moved to Pensacola with his fiancée Amy Kicklighter.
Jason is extremely passionate about his chosen field of practice. While not a factor in his decision to develop an Elder Law practice over a decade ago, his families’ struggles with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s over the past few years have intensified his desire to stay on top of his practice. Jason collaborates with several non-profit organizations along the Gulf Coast supporting his clients, such as, Covenant Alzheimer’s Services, Counsel on Aging, and Area Agency on Aging.
Jason has emerged as a leader within the field of Elder Law. Aside from being one of only 99 board-certified Florida Elder Law attorneys out of the 83,539 Florida Attorneys, Jason served as Section Chair for the Florida Bar Elder Law Section. He continues to sit on the Executive Council for the Florida Bar Elder Law Section. Jason is the current chair of the Elder Law Section's Bylaw committee.
Jason’s passion for seniors and his unique humor have made him a sought-after speaker in the Elder law field. He has been selected multiple times to speak at the Florida Bar Elder Law Annual Update and Hot Topics Course for advanced practitioners (as recently as February 2024). Additionally, he has spoken before the National Academy of Elder Law attorneys in Washington D.C. and countless churches and organizations along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Jason jokes his mother told him not to become a “typical lawyer.” In keeping with his promise, he has maintained a strong ethical commitment to this community and his profession. He is the prior Chair of the 1st Circuit "A" Grievance Committee for the Florida Bar. He is the former Chair for the 1st Circuit "A" Unlicensed Practice of Law committee. Both of these committees deal with ethics and a good practice management system regardless of whether you are an attorney or layperson.
In July 2025, Jason Waddell was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Bar Elder Law Section—an accolade bestowed only eight times previously in the Section’s nearly 35-year history. This rare recognition reflects Jason’s enduring commitment to advancing the mission and values of elder law in Florida. It stands as a testament to decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to the elder law community.
In January 2016 Jason was awarded the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for developing an advance directive workshop and legal education course for his community. In June 2014 Jason was awarded the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Member of the Year for his work in promoting the field of Elder Law. He was credited with working for over four years as chair of a committee that developed a mentoring program that has been copied around the country and within other Sections of the Florida Bar. This is in addition to working on several other committees and projects within the Elder Law Section.
Jason and his wife, Amy, live in Pensacola, FL where they are raising their son. Jason is an Assistant Boy Scout leader for his son's Troop. When not with his family, Jason loves to talk college football, go fishing, and “capture pictures of the beautiful place he calls home.”
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Practice Areas
22 years
23 years
23 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Florida
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Jason online.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Lisa | September 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney
As someone living in the UK I had occasion to contact Waddell & Waddell to help me with a USA-based legal matter. Not being able to spend time in the US, I was dependent upon Jason to take care of business on my behalf. And he absolutely did. Right from the start he explained how the process would w...
Posted by Gayle | August 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I have consulted with Jason Waddell regarding clients of mine and hired hime to be my personal attorney. I have found him to always put his clients needs first and be very honest with any client I have referred to him. I would definately recommend Mr. Waddell to anyone who needs and Elder Law or Es...
Posted by Chris | November 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Waddell is very knowledgeable and explained very well what needs to be part of a complete estate plan. I thank Mr. Waddell and his staff for their time and preparing the documents that I needed. I would highly recommend Mr. Waddell to anyone in need of Estate Planning and Elder Law. Thank Y...
Posted by Barbara | February 23, 2011
The flat-rate fee (referred to as your retainer) may mean you'll be out the entire amount even if the work is stopped due to circumstances beyond your control (in my case a death.) Ask every question you can think of to make sure you understand what you are paying for, the markers of the project so ...
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is a terrific Lawyer and mentor. He has been on his own since the start and a self made man. Jason is a true pillar of the legal community and the first person I go to for advice. There is no one I can think of that compares to him in the field of elder law he is second to none!"
"I am an attorney who has practiced since 1968. Since early in Jason Waddell's practice, I have found him to be a valuable resource in the legal community. I have consulted with him on numerous occasions in the areas of special needs trusts and guardianships; and in particular, elder law for which he is Florida Bar certified."
"I endorse Jason Waddell without hesitation. His knowledge of Elder law is second to none. I am confident that Jason will take care of any client I refer to him."
"He is extremely knowledgeable and has been a trusted resource for several years when I need answers to probate issues that arise in my cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jason is strong advocate for elders and their families. He is dedicated to the field and respected by elder law attorneys around the state."
"I have referred clients to Jason to probate estates on wrongful death cases. All of the clients I have sent have been thoroughly impressed with his professionalism and compassion. Jason is a great lawyer. I highly recommend him."
Estate planning lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Wrongful death lawyer
Elder law lawyer
Litigation lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Outstanding Service to the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Outstanding Service to the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Florida Bar Elder Law Section
2020
Outstanding Service to the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
2016
President's Pro Bono Award, Florida Bar
2016
Charlotte Brayer Public Service Award, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar
2014
Elder Law Section Member of the Year, Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
2013
Certification in Elder Law, Florida Bar
2012
Outstanding Service to the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Enrique Zamora Chair of the Elder Law Section
2002 - Present
Partner, Waddell Law Firm (Formally Waddell & Waddell, P.A.)
2002 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2001 - Present
Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar AssociationMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Elder Law SectionChair
2012 - 2020
Alzheimer's Family ServicesVice Chair
2009 - 2012
Florida Bar, Grievance CommitteeChairman
2009 - 2011
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Young Lawyers BoardBoard Member
2004 - 2010
Florida Bar, UPL CommitteeChairman
N/A
law
2024
AI & Elder Law: Ethical Application of AI in Your Practice
2023
5 Ways to Improve Your Representation of Fiduciaries and as a Result Your Bottom Line
2023
Confessions of an Elder Law Attorney
2017
PreMortem Legal Planning
2009
How to Succeed in Elder Law
2013
2009
2008
2001
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Jason earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Can I settle an estate when there is a 10 year inherited beneficiary IRA with the estate as the beneficiary?
10 May 2021
If a remainderman in a Life Estate Deed is sued, owes taxes or have any legal problems, can creditors go for the Life Estate?
02 Dec 2014
How do I get Power of Attorney over my mentally disabled sister?
12 Feb 2014
Examining Committee for Guardianships
18 Jul 2011
Homestead exempt or not
16 May 2011
Health Care Surrogate
14 May 2011