Judge Madden is a native of Laurens where he graduated from the public schools.  He obtained a finance degree from Wofford College in 1985, and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in  1988.  After law school he settled in Greenville with the “Wilkins” firm where he later became a partner.   In 2006 Judge Madden and the other partners of Wilkins & Madden, P.A. joined the Greenville office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP. While at Nelson Mullins Judge Madden served as managing partner of the Greenville office.  

When in private practice Judge Madden was primarily a litigator.  He represented people and companies in a wide range of types of cases.  Most of his professional time involved representing husbands, wives, mothers and fathers in family law matters in Family Court across South Carolina.   He also gave freely of his time to those who could not afford to pay including service as a volunteer prosecutor for domestic violence cases.   Judge Madden’s practice included more than 25 appeals to the South Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.  He was a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers where he served in leadership positions.  Colleagues in the bar honored Judge Madden for several years by voting for his inclusion in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and other publications.   He also served multiple terms in the House of Delegates of the South Carolina Bar.

Judge Madden is part of the faculty of the National Family Law Trial Institute in Houston, Texas, where lawyers from across the country spend a week of intensive training focused on courtroom advocacy.   He frequently participates at local, state, and national continuing education programs.   Judge Madden authored the chapter titled “Marital Dissolution and Child Custody” of the South Carolina Practice Manual, and served on the editorial board for the treatise Marital Litigation.  

Outside his law practice, Judge Madden chaired and served on the South Carolina Education Lottery Commission.   Previously he served on the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank board, and the Greenville County Transportation Committee.   His involvement in non-profit organizations includes board service on the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation, Welvista, and the Upcountry History Museum. 

Judge Madden is the recipient of the Charles H. Gray, Jr. Distinguished Service Award from Wofford College, and the Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni.   He is a Liberty Fellow.

Judge Madden and his wife are the proud parents of two adult daughters.