Jason Waddell

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 family’s 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 that 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.

Recognized for the exceptional elder law services he provides, Mr. Waddell has received numerous other accolades and awards. He is the former Chair of the Florida Bar Elder Law Section.  He is AV Preeminent peer-review rated,* the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell, and he holds a “Superb” rating on Avvo. 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.”

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.