Austin, TX, Mar. 11, 2011 – Winstead PC announced the expansion of its real estate practice with the addition of two attorneys in the Austin office who will work in the firm's Real Estate Development and Investments practice group. Robert D. (Bob) Burton, a shareholder, and Carey Gunn Helm, of counsel, and their team of support staff, which includes two paralegals, a legal secretary, a paraclerk and a case clerk, recently joined the firm. They bring added depth and experience to Winstead's already impressive firm-wide real estate capabilities and their experience fits well with Winstead's considerable mixed use practice. Burton, Helm and their support staff were previously with Armbrust and Brown PLLC.

Burton is a well known real estate attorney in Austin and Central Texas who represents national, regional and local clients in the acquisition, development, formation, operation and administration of residential and mixed use condominiums, resort and master planned communities. Burton has acted as lead counsel to the developer of the W Hotel and Residences and the 360 Condominiums, both in Austin. He presently acts as lead community governance counsel to the developer of the Mueller Airport Redevelopment, Steiner Ranch, and a number of mixed-use developments throughout the state. Burton also represents owner and developer controlled residential, commercial, and mixed-use owners associations (both large and small) state-wide.

Burton will also co-chair Winstead's Mixed Use Development group with Ed Peterson, the firm's Business and Transaction Department Head. Winstead is recognized as one of the premiere law firms handling mixed-use development in major metropolitan areas locally and nationally. This area of the firm's real estate practice provides skilled attorneys who are experienced representing clients in lending, leasing, land use, permitting, construction and all phases of mixed use and condominium development. Burton and Peterson will continue to expand Winstead's significant mixed-use practice in Texas and nationally. Burton received his J.D. from Tulane University Law School. He began his career as a CPA in one of the "big five" before moving into real estate law in 1992.

Helm is a native Austinite with a real estate practice focused on condominiums, community associations, timeshares and resort development. She previously ran her own firm for several years in Vail, Colorado, and is licensed in both Texas and Colorado. Like Burton, Helm helps clients with a wide variety of legal issues including matters related to the formation, transition, operation and governance of residential and mixed use condominiums and master planned developments. She has developed strong relationships in the Austin community and is known for assisting clients with document reviews and amendments; drafting or revising association policies, rules or regulations; and advising on easement, license, title or other real property issues affected by government or agency regulations.

Working with Burton, Helm will focus on expanding Winstead's client base in the Central Texas region and nationally, joining a team of attorneys in Austin that includes Real Estate Shareholders David Hewlett and Greta Goldsby. She received her J.D. from the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.

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.