Austin (April 21, 2008) — Pete Winstead, a founding shareholder of Texas law firm Winstead PC, will be awarded the prestigious W. Neal Kocurek Legacy Award in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the civic and business communities of central Texas. The award is given by Envision Central Texas, a regional non-profit planning organization created to develop general public wellbeing in central Texas. Winstead will be honored at the Envision Central Texas’ 2008 Community Stewardship Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 2nd at the Hilton Austin.
According to Jim Walker, chairman of Envision Central Texas, “Pete Winstead has worked tirelessly on numerous development, civic and charitable initiatives that have touched every corner of the Central Texas Region. He has an engaging and selfless leadership style that exemplifies the spirit of this award.”
Winstead has a long list of accomplishments that display his visionary approach to business and improving the Austin community. He served as the first chair of the Texas Turnpike Authority and his leadership resulted in new roadways that are improving transportation in the region. He served as chairman of the United Way Capital Area, vice president of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and president of the Capital Area Boy Scouts of America and he has served on the boards of the Colorado River Foundation, St. Edward’s University, YMCA of Austin, and the Hill Country Conservancy.
Known for more than just serving on governing and advisory boards for organizations focused on economic growth, the arts, and education in the Central Texas region, Winstead is credited with making results happen by bringing the right people to the table and energizing projects through tireless dedication, smart business intellect, and an eye on future economic trends.
Winstead began his career as a federal taxation lawyer and soon after, founded Winstead PC in 1973 with two partners and an associate. In 1987, he moved to Austin to open an office with a goal of growing a branch of the firm that could focus on government and regulatory issues in the State’s capital. His commitment to the Austin community was immediately evident as he joined the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Advantage Austin, an organization dedicated to strengthening the Austin economy. Under Winstead’s leadership, the Austin office has grown from one shareholder and one associate to a firm with 55 attorneys and 50 support staff, ranked seventh in the Austin legal market.
Winstead is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, the Austin Bar Association and the Dallas Bar Association. He has been honored with several awards throughout his career including being named a Texas Super Lawyer. Most recently, he was named the 2004 Austinite of the Year by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, he received the Austin Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award, and he’s being honored by the Colorado River Foundation for making a difference in the health and preservation of the Colorado River. Winstead received his B.A. from Stanford University , and his LL.B. from the University of Texas Law School.
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as the trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead has the power to perform for your business. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.
