Wade was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson on February 26, 1915, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa vacated by Judge Smith McPherson. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 3, 1915, and received his commission the same day.
Wade's appointment by President Woodrow Wilson on February 26, 1915, led to him being selected as a replacement judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. He was subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 3, 1915, and received his official commission at that time.