DALLAS, TX, August 9, 2024 - The shareholders and employees of Winstead PC are deeply saddened to announce that Pete Winstead, a founding shareholder of the firm, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2024. Known for his superior intellect, as well as his commitment to the firm, his clients, and his community, Pete was highly respected by his colleagues and those with whom he served in various capacities. As a founding member of the firm, Pete instilled the values of service, teamwork and excellence and held his fellow attorneys to those high standards.
"Pete's departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice was the cornerstone of our firm, and his legacy will continue to guide us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all touched by his remarkable life," Chairman & CEO, Jeff Matthews expressed.
Pete 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, Alabama, to monitor the civil rights march, an event that shaped many of the principles he held so dear. Pete became a successful tax lawyer and expanded his expertise to provide invaluable guidance to start-up companies, offering mentorship on financial backing, management procurement, and a variety of legal matters. He played a pivotal role when Winstead took Dell Computer Corporation public in 1988, and had a close personal relationship with Michael and Susan Dell in the many years that followed. Pete held many leadership roles at Winstead, as well as serving as Chair of the Section of Taxation of the State Bar of Texas. He was a mentor and role model to many. Tom Helfand, the first associate hired by the firm back in 1976, remarked, “I am very saddened by the passing of Pete Winstead—my mentor, my colleague, and my very close friend. I will be forever grateful for his guidance and the interest he showed in me as a young tax lawyer. May he rest in peace.” In 1987, he and his wife, Tomi, moved to Austin to open the Winstead office there. It was important to Pete that the tenets that had shaped Winstead continue to thrive in that new location. That office has now grown to over 50 attorneys.
In 1997, Pete was appointed by Governor Bush to be the first chair of the Texas Turnpike Authority. He chaired the boards of the Austin Chamber, the Real Estate Council, the 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, Pete has received numerous awards. His service and commitment to his firm and to his community will long be remembered.
Pete remained active at the firm and came into the office regularly and was beloved within the Austin community. Pete formed the firm stressing the concept of service to its clients. Today the firm has grown to over 300 lawyers and still proudly stands by the idea of service first.