Women’s History Month–Meet the Women of Becker: Jennifer Bales Drake
In honor of Women’s History Month, Becker is celebrating the incredible women attorneys and lobbyists whose expertise, leadership, and dedication elevate both our firm and the clients we serve. This year, we’re proud to highlight the achievements of longstanding women team members across various departments, recognizing their impact and contributions over the years.
Jennifer Bales Drake is a highly accomplished real estate attorney and a Vice Chair of Becker’s Public, Private Partnerships (P3) practice group. She has been with the Firm for nearly 37 years. Her practice focuses on commercial transactions, which range from planned project development, including the creation of condominiums, mixed-use developments, townhome developments and single-family developments, condominium conversions, public-private partnership transactions (P3), which includes representing municipalities, higher education institutions and private parties; real estate contract negotiation, mortgage and asset-based financing for both financial institutions and borrowers, commercial leases, ground leases; preparation of joint venture agreements for real estate transactions, as well as real estate workouts and liquidation of real estate owned (REO) properties for financial institutions.
- What inspired you to pursue a career at Becker?
A legal recruiter recruited me to interview for the position of head of the real estate department to build Becker’s real estate practice, which was achieved. I basically represented developers and financial institutions and came over to a firm that had made a name for itself by suing developers for condominium construction defects. It was a bold and somewhat risky move for me, but I have always been up for a challenge and took this challenge when I was only five years out of law school. I was able to use the Firm’s knowledge and skills in construction law and condominium law to make myself a better developer attorney and develop unique skills to better serve my developer clients. - Is there a woman—past or present—who has inspired you in your career or life?
My Mother has been my inspiration throughout my adult life. While she only had one year of college education, she was a very intelligent and practical person who was way ahead of her time and gave me my inspiration and intestinal fortitude to accomplish what I have in my career. She taught and showed me that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to, including having a wonderful, loving family life with my husband and two wonderful sons, a successful career as well as being able to serve my community through Leadership Broward, Business For the Arts Broward and the Greater Ft Lauderdale Alliance, for which I serve on the Broad of Directors, Executive Committee, Foundation Board, currently I am Vice Chair and will be Chair for 2026. - If you could have lunch with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
Madeline Albright and Janet Reno. Both women were pioneers in their fields and were very successful. I would love to be able to sit down and discuss their lives, careers, challenges they faced, and their motivations. - What’s a mantra or quote that motivates you daily?
There is no soft in the Drake House! - What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t join an organization only to be a part of it; join to lead. - What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a wicked sense of humor and am a lot of fun to be around.
