Judge Deadra L. Jefferson was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Her parents are Mr. And Mrs. Joe L. Jefferson.

She attended the public schools of Charleston and received a bachelor of arts degree in both Politics and English in 1985 from Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C. She attended the University of South Carolina School of Law, Columbia, S.C. from 1986 to 1989, receiving her juris doctorate in 1989. That same year, she was admitted to practice law in South Carolina. She is admitted to practice in all South Carolina Courts and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

After completing law school, Judge Jefferson came to Charleston where she was the law Clerk to the Hon. Richard E. Fields, retired Judge for the Circuit Courts of South Carolina, 9th Circuit, Charleston from 1989 through 1990. After completing her tenure with Judge Fields she began in private practice with the law firm of McFarland and Jenkins and continued with the law firm of McFarland and Associates until her election.

Judge Jefferson was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to the position of Resident Family Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit on February 14, 1996. She served in that position from 1996 to 2001.  She was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to the position of Resident Circuit Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit on May 30, 2001.  She has served continuously in this position.  

She is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Charleston County Bar Association, S.C. Circuit Court Judges Association, and the SC Women Lawyers Association.  She has participated as a presenter in several CLE and JCLE seminars.

She is active in her community and is a member of the Charleston S.C. Chapter of the Links, Inc.  She has received numerous community and professional honors.  She is an active member of the Life Center of Charleston.