Wayne Patton received his bachelor of arts degree in physical education from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, in 1980. He earned his juris doctorate degree from the University of Denver in 1983. Patton was an associate with the Law Offices of J.E. Losavio, Jr. in Pueblo from October of 1983, until April of 1988, when he began his own practice. In 1990, he moved to Leadville to be closer to the ski areas. In addition to continuing his practice in Leadville, Patton became a Special County Attorney in 1993, and started representing Lake County Health and Human Services. In 1994, he was appointed as the Leadville City Attorney. Patton became a part-time County Court Judge in the 5th Judicial District in January, 2001. He still practices part time, although he gave up the City Attorney and Special County Attorney contracts upon becoming a judge.