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, an event that shaped many of the principles he held so dear.
Winstead became a successful tax lawyer and expanded his expertise to provide invaluable guidance to startup companies, offering mentorship on financial backing, management procurement, and a variety of legal matters. He played a pivotal role when Winstead P.C. took Dell Computer Corporation public in 1988, and had a close personal relationship with Michael and Susan Dell.
Winstead joined the Austin Bar in 1989 and was a staunch supporter of both the bar and the Austin Bar Foundation. Winstead P.C. has been a long-time member firm of the Austin Bar’s 100 Club.
Winstead held many leadership roles at Winstead P.C., as well as serving as chair of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of Texas. In 1997, Winstead was appointed by then-Governor George Bush to be the first chair of the Texas Turnpike Authority. He chaired the boards of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Real Estate Council, United Way, St. Edward’s University, the Greater Austin Crime Commission, and KLRU Public Television. He also served as chairman of the $50 million capital campaign for the Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas. For his involvement in civic, political, and philanthropic matters in the Austin area, Winstead received numerous awards.
Winstead P.C. maintains offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, as well as Charlotte, N.C. and New York City.
Texas Lawyer recently released its Texas 100 List, which ranks Texas law firms based on headcount, gross revenue, revenue per lawyer, and profits per equity partner.
For 2023, Winstead P.C.:
Had 281 lawyers in Texas; and
Grossed $294.8 million, a seven-percent growth over 2022.
“Pete’s great joys were the love of family, firm, and his commitment to the City of Austin,” said Jeff Matthews, Winstead P.C. chairman and CEO. “He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.”