Daniel E. “Danny“ Becnel Jr.
Daniel Elmore "Danny" Becnel Jr. (1944–2020) was a towering figure in American law, particularly known for his role as a champion of the underdog and his formidable presence in the legal landscape of Louisiana and beyond. His legacy is defined by a unique blend of sharp legal strategy, deep-rooted community commitment, and a fierce independence.
Legacy in Law: The "King of Torts"
Danny Becnel Jr. built an extraordinary legal career that spanned over four decades, starting from his graduation from Loyola University Law School in 1969. He quickly made a name for himself by securing Louisiana’s first million-dollar personal injury jury verdict in 1972, a landmark achievement that signaled his future as a leader in complex litigation.
He was a pioneer in mass torts and class action lawsuits, representing thousands of plaintiffs against some of the world's most powerful entities. His legal victories include:
Tobacco Litigation: Helping secure multi-billion-dollar settlements that fundamentally changed public health policies.
Major Disasters: Representing victims of the 1976 Luling-Destrehan ferry disaster, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the Shell Oil refinery explosion in Norco.
Pharmaceutical & Consumer Safety: Leading cases involving fen-phen diet pills, Dow Corning breast implants, and Toyota sudden-acceleration recalls.
Legacy in Business
In 1969, he founded the Becnel Law Firm, which grew from a small office in the River Parishes into a national powerhouse. His business acumen allowed him to manage massive, multi-district litigations involving thousands of clients and complex financial structures. Despite this national reach, he maintained a "country boy" ethos, ensuring his firm remained a staple of the local community in LaPlace and Reserve, providing dedicated services regardless of the case size.
Legacy in Philanthropy and Community
Danny was deeply committed to his roots in St. John the Baptist Parish and the broader Louisiana legal community. His philanthropic efforts were often focused on education and legal advocacy:
Loyola University New Orleans: In 2018, he and his wife, Mary Hotard Becnel, donated $1 million to establish the Danny and Mary Becnel Trial Advocacy Program, ensuring that future generations of trial lawyers would have the resources to excel.
Local Support: He was a long-time benefactor of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and frequently supported local community groups and individuals in need throughout the River Parishes.
Independent Critical Thinking and Spirit
A hallmark of Danny’s legacy was his independent and often unconventional spirit. Self-dubbed the "king of torts," he possessed a "bigger-than-life" personality and a mentality that "limits are fabricated."
Political Independence: He was deeply involved in local politics, serving as a parish attorney and running for various offices. Even when unsuccessful in electoral bids, his campaigns were driven by a genuine desire to serve the people rather than conforming to political norms.
A "Country Boy" at Heart: Despite his dealings with presidents and celebrities, he remained grounded, finding joy in simple acts like tending his garden and riding his tractor.
Fearless Advocacy: His willingness to take on "industry giants" showcased a critical mind that refused to be intimidated by corporate power or established legal hierarchies.
Danny’s legacy continues through his family—including his son Ainsley Michael Becnel and his other three sons, all of whom pursued legal careers—and the ongoing work of the Becnel Law Firm.