B.J. Wade was born in Memphis, Tennessee and was admitted to law practice in 1976 and for the United States Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit in 1979 and in 1982 for the United States Supreme Court. He primarily operates in mesothelioma cases but has also recently worked for injured rail workers. He has settled over $175 million in the last five years including a case which was settled for $33 million and another settled for $55 million. He has made significant donations to many organizations and donated $1 million to the University of Memphis School of Law that B.J. Wade attended.