Founding shareholder of Winstead P.C. Pete Winstead died on Aug. 7, 2024, at the age of 84. Winstead received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his J.D. from The University of Texas. As a young lawyer working for the Department of Justice Tax Division in Washington D.C., he was sent to Selma, Ala., to monitor the civil rights march,

Austin Bar member Judge Julie Kocurek participated in a panel discussion at the University of North Texas–Dallas to endorse a bill by U.S. Senator John Cornyn to improve judicial safety. Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht; Judge Kocurek’s son, Will; and Sen. Cornyn himself also participated in the panel discussion, along with other Texas judges, who discussed threats aimed

Jason Snell and the Snell Law Firm obtained a final judgment from the Texas Supreme Court in favor of their client, who was awarded more than $16 million under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act. Justice Boyd delivered the opinion of the Court, joined by Justices Hecht, Devine, Busby, Bland, and Huddle. Justice Young filed a dissenting opinion, which Justice

The Texas Supreme Court issued an order1 on June 25, 2024, seeking public comment on the adoption of a new examination for individuals seeking admission to the Texas Bar. The Texas Board of Law Examiners (BLE) has recommended the adoption of the NextGen Bar Examination, which would replace  Texas’ current bar exam, the Universal Bar Exam (UBE). Like the UBE,

In testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary on July 9, 2024, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht laid out his ideas to make the civil justice system accessible for all Americans.1 Current methods for increasing access to justice fall into two categories: pro bono publico and legal aid services. But even with Texas’ 114,000 lawyers providing

The Austin Bar Foundation recently showed its gratitude for the service of outgoing directors Blair Dancy, Lowell Keig, and Hon. Todd Wong. Dancy has served on the Foundation’s board since 2020, most recently as treasurer. Keig has served on the board since 2016, most recently as vice chair. Judge Wong has served on the board since 2020. The Austin Bar

The Austin Police Department (APD) has launched a new website to publish data related to policing activities in the Austin metropolitan area. APD’s Open Policing Data Release project was ordered by the Austin City Council’s Resolution 20230914-132, which was passed in September 2023.

Austin Bar member Lyndsey Captain Vicknair passed away on June 15, 2024, during a shooting at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Vicknair was born on Dec. 31, 1990, to Bobby and Lena Captain. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. She is survived by her husband of seven years, Kevin Vicknair, and their young children:

Mary-Ellen King is a partner at Lucosky Brookman LLP, where her practice focuses primarily on complex insurance coverage litigation, commercial litigation, business litigation, general civil litigation, and real estate litigation.  King takes the reins as president of the Austin Bar on July 1, 2024. Austin Lawyer recently interviewed her about her plans for the upcoming bar year. AL:  What are