Austin, TX, Feb. 3, 2011 – Shareholder and Founder Pete Winstead of Winstead PC will be honored at the Austin Council of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at the Four Seasons in Austin. Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Joe Straus, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the luncheon.

Winstead will receive the prestigious ADL Jurisprudence Award, which is presented biennially to an outstanding legal professional who exhibits a commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service. The award honors outstanding civic activities and a continued dedication to the mission of the ADL.

“Pete’s longstanding support for ADL and his commitment to fairness, respect and the community make him a worthy recipient of ADL’s Jurisprudence Award,” said Stephen Adler, chair of the Austin Council of the ADL.

Winstead exemplifies values at the core of the ADL’s mission. As a result of his leadership, Winstead PC has implemented a number of key diversity initiatives providing leadership and financial support for organizations focused on increasing diversity in the Texas Bar. He is also an advocate and vocal supporter of Austin ADL’s efforts to implement its Hate Crimes Initiative—a multi-pronged initiative to make Austin a community where hate and discrimination are not tolerated.

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. Winstead has also served on the boards of the Colorado River Foundation, St. Edward's University, YMCA of Austin, and the Hill Country Conservancy.

Honored with several awards throughout his career, Winstead's recognitions include being named Austinite of the Year by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce; receiving the prestigious W. Neal Kocurek Legacy Award in 2008; and being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Austin Business Journal. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, the Austin Bar Association and the Dallas Bar Association. Winstead received his B.A. from Stanford University , and his LL.B. from the University of Texas Law School.

The Austin Council of the ADL is honored to recognize the Texas Supreme Court’s Permanent Judicial Commission on Children, Youth & Families with its inaugural Trailblazer Award. “The Commission has blazed new trails with its work addressing disproportionally and implicit bias in judicial decision making in Texas’child protection system. We are delighted that this important work is happening and honored to highlight and recognize the Commission and its leadership,” stated Adler. For more information on the Austin Jurisprudence Award Luncheon or to set up an interview, call Karen Gross at 512-799-0348.

Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as 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 delivers practical knowledge and responsive service. And it's all backed by a get-it-done attitude. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.