About Drake P. Bearden
Drake P. Bearden Jr. took a circuitous route to the courtroom. He studied journalism as an undergraduate and then turned to law. His academic path began at Temple University, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism in 2005. He remained at Temple for law school and received his J.D. in 2009 from the Beasley School of Law.
After law school, Bearden established a practice rooted in civil litigation. Over time he expanded his courtroom experience to include matters brought before both state and federal tribunals. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is also admitted before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In New Jersey, he has earned a professional credential: certification by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Lawyer.
Bearden’s professional affiliations underscore the kinds of cases he handles. He is a current member of the New Jersey Association for Justice, the New Jersey State Bar, the National Employment Lawyers Association — New Jersey chapter, and the Garden State Bar Association. Those memberships place him among lawyers who regularly litigate workplace disputes, personal injury claims, and other civil matters that often require trial work.
In 2022 he became a partner at Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Khan Wikstrom & Sinins, P.C. The promotion marked a step into firm leadership and greater responsibility for managing complex litigation. As a partner he takes part in case strategy, discovery planning, and courtroom advocacy. Colleagues describe his courtroom manner as direct and his briefs as carefully organized.
Collegial work inside the firm is balanced by a steady trial docket. Bearden has handled civil trials and appellate matters, including cases that reached federal court. The New Jersey Supreme Court certification recognizes the hours and outcomes that comprise his trial practice. It also signals that other lawyers can turn to him for jury work in the state.
Outside the courtroom he remains tied to the professional organizations that provide continuing legal education and networking. He participates in events and panels through those groups, often addressing developments in employment law and trial practice.
At the firm, he manages litigation teams and represents clients in both state and federal venues. He currently focuses on civil trial and employment litigation at Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Khan Wikstrom & Sinins, P.C.
