Wes Bearden

Wes Bearden

Chairman of the Board

Wes Bearden is not your stereotypical investigator.

Because most of his clients are lawyers and law firms, he went to law school so that he could better understand what his clients need. He is an active attorney licensed in Texas, Louisiana, New York, and the District of Columbia. He understands what is discoverable and what is admissible in court. He knows how to handle witnesses appropriately and ethically, and he can work more easily on investigations that cross into other states. 

“People – lawyers – come to me with their client’s problems, and I love solving them,” Mr. Bearden, CEO and Chairman of Bearden Investigative Agency says. “Our clients get a lawyer-led team of dedicated investigators who will fight for them. We uncover the facts they need and work toward the resolution they want.”

Mr. Bearden is proud to lead a full-service agency that has the resources and know-how to respond quickly and effectively to critical situations. The agency is particularly expert in:

Mr. Bearden knows that experience counts when it comes to tackling tough investigative challenges for his clients. His agency, established in Dallas in 1972, has conducted investigations in all 50 states and more than 40 foreign countries.

“When you hire an investigator, it’s an ‘Oh My God’ moment. You may be facing the loss of your business, your family, your money or your reputation,” Mr. Bearden says. “You are in trouble and you need expert help to successfully guide you through this crisis.”

He maintains active membership and leadership in a number of private investigative associations throughout the United States. He also previously served for almost a decade as the general counsel of the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI).  Mr. Bearden is Past President and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS). Additionally, he serves on the board of the World Association of Detectives (WAD).

Calm, compassionate and upbeat, Mr. Bearden is committed to helping his clients through some of their most difficult life challenges.

Education

  • Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, Juris Doctor
    • Member of the Texas Wesleyan Law Review
    • Member of the Eldon B. Mahon American Inn of Courts
  • Stephen F. Austin University, Bachelor of Business Administration. Emphasis in Finance and Real Estate

Bar Admissions

  • Texas
  • Louisiana 
  • District of Columbia 
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Certifications

  • Texas Certified Investigator

Organizations

  • Dallas County Bar Association
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
  • New Orleans Bar Association
  • Texas Bar College, Professional Society of Legal Scholars
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association
  • Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (Past General Counsel)
  • Florida Association of Licensed Investigators
  • Louisiana Private Investigators Association
  • California Association of Licensed Investigators
  • Coalition of Association Leaders
  • World Association of Detectives
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas
  • National Council of Investigation and Security Services (Past President)

Civic Involvement

  • City of Arlington Landmark Preservation Commission, Past Commissioner
  • City of Arlington West Sector Development Board, Past Member
  • Young Men of Arlington, Member
  • Past Member Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Pygmalion
  • Public Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Awards

  • The National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS) Wayne J. Wunder Memorial Award Recipient (2022)
  • Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) Hudgins-Sallee Award Recipient (2016)