Leo Beus, a well-known Phoenix attorney, died on Monday. He was 78. Beus co-founded and supervised the litigation department at Beus Gilbert, a Phoenix law practice. U.S. News & World Report named the company the best in the country for land use and zoning law. Beus and his law practice partner, Paul Gilbert, met as 19-year-olds working on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ Saints in the Netherlands. Their friendship lasted through graduation and into the workforce, and the two founded the company in 1982. Beus and Gilbert were initially described as a “legal odd couple” by the Phoenix Business Journal. “Beus is a prominent, combative, and not always well-liked litigator who has taken on the likes of Pfizer and large accountancy firms,” the Business Journal.
Leo Beus Died:
Gilbert told The Republic that Beus’ death surprised him. “He had some medical issues, but he looked to be improving,” Gilbert added. “We all thought he had a few good years.” Gilbert regarded Beus as a skilled lawyer who handled several high-profile cases that resulted in large payments for his clients. He represented his alma institution, Brigham Young University, in a battle against Pfizer over who invented the drug Celebrex. In this case, BYU earned $450 million. While Beus represented giant corporations, Gilbert said he also took pro bono cases from individuals who wanted to sue companies that had wronged them but couldn’t afford to take on their legal team.
Gilbert About Leo Beus’s Death:
Gilbert described Beus as a very sympathetic man who paid off various medical obligations acquired by others and worked hard to help others. Gilbert added, “The Valley has lost a terrific lawyer and a tremendous humanitarian.” “His legal work will be missed, but his humanitarian work will be much more.” Gilbert was not the only lawyer who recognized Beus’ expertise. “Leo is a forceful, aggressive, occasionally unpleasant, hard-core litigator,” Business Journal attorney Grady Gammage said. Beus was a significant donor to Arizona State Campus, and various university assets retain his name. Beus and his wife, Annette, served as co-chairs of ASU’s President’s Club.
The Career of Leo Beus:
At the time of the laser donation, SU President Michael Crow thanked the Beuses for their impact. “Leo and Annette Beus have evolved into more than visionary philanthropists essential to ASU’s purpose and success; they reflect the best of our ASU family,” Crow said. “With this further investment, they will accelerate the development of a remarkable, home-grown ASU X-ray technology with enormous potential for life-changing, global effect.” According to the Beus Gilbert website, Beus was the prominent litigator in cases where the company achieved verdicts and settlements for clients totalling more than $4 billion.
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