In 1883, he ended the partnership and moved to Jamestown, where he worked in the law office of Judge Orsell Cook.
[4] Among his most notable moments in courts was his defense of Howard C. Benham of Batavia, accused of murdering his wife.
Benham was already found guilty and sentenced to death when Wade asked for a new trial, which was granted.
In 1898, after a four-week trial, Wade successfully had the sentence overturned and Benham found not guilty.
[6] In 1903, Wade was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Chautauqua County 1st District.