Becnel Law Firm

Daniel Elmore Becnel III

Daniel "Becket" E. Becnel III was born into a legacy of legal excellence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up amidst the vibrant culture of the River Parishes and New Orleans. As the son of the renowned trial lawyer Daniel Elmore "Danny" Becnel Jr. and Edna Vicknair Becnel, Becket inherited a passion for justice from his father, who founded the Becnel Law Firm and led groundbreaking class action lawsuits against giants like the tobacco industry and in the BP oil spill recovery efforts. With siblings including his sister Susan Williams and brother Robert Becnel, Becket was immersed in a family that valued community, perseverance, and service from an early age.

His formative years at St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie, from 1970 to 1983, shaped him into a leader on and off the field. As football captain, he honed skills in teamwork and resilience that would later define his legal career. Becket pursued higher education at Tulane University for his undergraduate studies, followed by law school stints at Tulane University Law School and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, ultimately earning his Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge in 1991. Admitted to the Louisiana Bar that same year and later to the Colorado Bar in 2008, he embarked on a journey back to his roots, joining the family firm in Reserve, Louisiana—the oldest and largest law practice in St. John the Baptist Parish, established in 1944.

Over more than three decades, Becket has built an impressive career at Becnel Law Firm, LLC, specializing in personal injury, mass torts, class actions, and criminal defense. His dedication to Southeast Louisiana's communities shines through in his extensive trial experience: over 30 jury trials and 550 bench trials statewide, with a record-setting number in St. John Parish alone. Licensed to practice in all Louisiana state courts, multiple U.S. District Courts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, as well as in Colorado, Becket has become a pillar of legal advocacy. His leadership extends beyond the courtroom; he served on the River Parishes Indigent Defender Board from 1991 to 2004, presided over the River Parish Young Lawyers from 1992 to 1998, and represented his peers as a delegate to the Louisiana State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Membership in prestigious organizations like the American Association for Justice and the Louisiana Association for Justice further underscores his commitment to ethical and effective representation.

Becket's impact is perhaps most vividly seen in his handling of high-stakes cases that captured national attention. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005, he championed the cause of Merlene Maten, a 73-year-old woman wrongly accused of looting during the chaos. Becket's tenacious advocacy exposed flaws in the post-disaster justice system, securing her release after 16 days and drawing widespread praise for highlighting the need for compassion in crisis. Building on his family's legacy, he has contributed to mass tort efforts, including critiques of settlement processes in the BP oil spill that aimed to ensure fairer outcomes for affected communities.

In 2024, Governor Jeff Landry recognized Becket's expertise and public service ethos by appointing him to the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commission, where he helps oversee iconic assets like the Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center, fostering economic growth and cultural vibrancy in the state.

Throughout his career, Becket has navigated professional challenges, including disciplinary matters from the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2019 related to client communications, fund handling, and ethical boundaries. These experiences, marked by his cooperation, restitution, and adherence to probation, have reinforced his growth as a lawyer committed to upholding the highest standards. Similarly, a 2018 legal malpractice suit from a former client, resolved through court proceedings by 2025, highlighted the complexities of cross-jurisdictional advice but ultimately affirmed his ongoing dedication to client welfare.

On a personal note, Becket shares his life with his wife, Kathryn Weekley Becnel, a fellow attorney and firm partner, whose family ties add another layer of strength to their bond. Together, they have raised two accomplished adult children, Jane Lyle Becnel and Christian DuBarry Becnel, while enjoying pursuits like hunting, fishing, and cheering on local sports teams. Residing in Reserve, Becket continues to earn glowing reviews from clients who appreciate his professionalism, empathy, and unwavering support, embodying the spirit of a lawyer who not only fights for justice but also uplifts the communities he serves.