JD Journal » Winstead PC

Winstead Expands Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group

rebneely — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:01 +0000

The law firm of Winstead PC in recent days announced the expansion of its real estate practice.

Two real estate development, entitlement-focused shareholders, one development planner, one development project manager, and their support team have joined the firm.

Stephen (Steve) O. Drenner will lead the group, and will be based in the firm’s Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group in Austin and San Antonio.

Drenner will be joined by his team of entitlement professionals, including John P. Donisi, shareholder; Michele Haussmann, director of planning and development; Amanda Swor, project manager; Ashley Parsons, project manager; and Heather Kuhn, legal secretary.

Drenner and his team were previously with Drenner & Golden, Stuart Wolff LLP, which is a boutique firm focusing on real estate with offices in Austin and San Antonio. The new group will serve clients in both Austin and San Antonio and the Central Texas region.

Pete Winstead, firm founder and shareholder in the Austin office was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “This announcement represents a great moment for Winstead.

Peyton Smith, the firm’s lateral hiring shareholder was quoted as saying: “We have developed a ‘go to real estate practice’ in other Winstead offices and we wanted to enhance our real estate capabilities to serve clients in the rapidly growing Austin-San Antonio corridor. As a result of Steve’s group joining Winstead’s real estate practice, Winstead clients will benefit from the most reputable team of attorneys and professionals who handle entitlement issues in Central Texas.”

Known as the king of entitlements in and around the City of Austin, the City of San Antonio and other municipalities in Texas, Drenner has established a well respected and reputable entitlement team of former city planners who as a team assist real estate developers navigate regulatory hurdles.

Drenner has niche experience with municipal and county ordinances and state and federal laws affecting property rights. He has a proven track record of successful developer representation in all aspects of land use, zoning, variances, and entitlements. His clients include H.E.B., Endeavor Real Estate Group, Stratus Properties, Phoenix Properties, Simon Properties, American Campus Communities, and Cousins Properties.

Drenner’s entire career has focused on real estate. Over the last thirteen years, he has been a name partner in two of his own Austin firms. In addition, he was a former partner at Jenkens and Gilchrist for thirteen years, opening the firm’s Austin Office and serving as the Austin managing partner for three years.

He was also the founding president of the Real Estate Council of Austin, and he was named as one of the five top real estate lawyers in Texas by Texas Lawyer. In 2009, the Austin Business Journal awarded Drenner with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in real estate. He was the president of the Hill County Conservancy during 2007 and 2008, and he is a member of The Real Estate Council of Austin, the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association. Drenner received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

Donisi’s practice focuses on entitlement work. He is a registered lobbyist with a well established reputation for success in local government and legislative lobby efforts for his clients. Prior to law school, Donisi was special assistant to Governor Ann Richards for four years and then chief of staff to The Honorable Senator Rodney G. Ellis for two years. Following law school, Donisi became general counsel to the Jurisprudence Committee of the Texas Senate and was a partner at Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever & McDaniel prior to becoming a partner at Drenner & Golden Stuart Wolff.

Donisi is a graduate of Leadership Austin, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Austin Young Lawyers Association. Donisi has repeatedly been named a Texas Rising Star and a Texas Super Lawyer.

Haussmann joins Winstead as director of planning and development, land use and entitlements. She is a registered lobbyist with the City of Austin and City of San Antonio. She has worked in the zoning and planning area of real estate development her entire career, previously working with the City of Austin Development Review and Inspection Department, and the City of San Marcos Planning and Development Services Department, before working as the director of planning and development at her previous firm.

Winstead’s CEO and Chairman Kevin Sullivan was quoted as saying: “Overall, Winstead has assembled one of the strongest groups of real estate attorneys in Texas to address the needs of clients regionally as well as nationally. Drenner’s group, combined with Winstead’s long-standing expertise in real estate and related matters, will allow us to be the obvious go to firm for all aspects of complex real estate projects whether in Central Texas or elsewhere.”

Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas with offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:54:21 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, September 24th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Reed Smith was brought on as U.S. corporate and securities counsel for China Sun Group High-Tech Co…

Quarterly revenue at Britain’s 100 biggest law firms increased by an average of 5 percent for the three-month period ending July 31…

Arnold & Porter acquired three attorneys from Sonnenschein…

Four Davis Polk partners were named ‘Top Lawyers’ in California…

Troutman Sanders appointed a new managing partner in its Washington, D.C office…

The Best Lawyers in America 2011® will feature 58 attorneys from Winstead PC…

The Best Lawyers in America Features 58 Attorneys from Winstead

joshua — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:01:14 +0000

The Best Lawyers in America 2011® features 58 attorneys from Winstead PC.

Best Lawyers, established in 1983, is universally known as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers ratings are based on exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of attorneys cast more than two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas.

Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. The firm’s 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. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:19:41 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, September 22nd. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Dinsmore & Shohl welcomed former Deputy General Counsel for EPA…

A former Kennedy Chief of Staff Returned to WilmerHale…

A Thompson Hine Partner was reappointed to the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College board of trustees…

A Greenberg Traurig partner was named co-chair of the ABA Committee…

Cadwalader announced the launch of the Cadwalader International Law and Litigation Center…

48 Winstead PC Attorneys were selected as Texas Super Lawyers…

48 Winstead PC Attorneys Selected as Texas Super Lawyers

joshua — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:49:58 +0000

48 of Winstead PC’s attorneys have been selected as Texas Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine. The annual Texas Super Lawyers list recognizes Texas’ top lawyers based on surveys of more than 57,000 active attorneys across the state. The final list, which represents just 5 percent of Texas’ licensed attorneys, is one of the most comprehensive and diverse listings of top lawyers in Texas ever assembled.

Those named are chosen via a four-part selection process. The process includes a ballot and point system established by the publishers of Law & Politics magazine followed by a panel review, interviews, independent research and a final selection process.

Lawyers nominated are evaluated by evidence of peer recognition, professional achievement and service to the community as a lawyer, including pro bono work.

The list of 2010 Texas Super Lawyers is available online at www.superlawyers.com.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:27:07 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, July 29th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton blocked several key provisions of Arizona’s controversial immigration law…

Squire Sanders & Dempsey will close its Tallahassee office…

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell promoted partner Jennifer Kenedy to managing partner of its Chicago office…

BuckleySandler hired four in its Washington D.C. office…

Winstead PC hired two shareholders in its Washington D.C. Office…

Winstead PC Hires Two Shareholders in Washington D.C. Office

joshua — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:44:56 +0000

Winstead PC, one of the largest business law firms in Texas, has hired John B. Rudolph and Timothy W. Bergin as shareholders in its Washington D.C. office.

Both men are experienced litigators in energy litigation and regulatory affairs.

Rudolph has been practicing law for over 35 years, focusing on federal and state energy regulation and related appeals. He frequently counsels clients on natural gas and oil pipeline tariff and contract matters, and provides strategic advice concerning the regulatory implications and consequences of commercial activities and proposed courses of conduct.

With over 30 years of experience, Bergin focuses his practice on commercial litigation and arbitration as well as federal regulatory proceedings and antitrust matters.

Additionally, Rudolph and Bergin have extensive experience representing clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

According to the article at citybizlist.com, Thomas T. Hutcheson, chair of Winstead’s Energy and Environmental practice group was quoted as saying: “We are delighted to add these highly skilled and experienced FERC practitioners to Winstead’s expanding energy practice.”

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. Winstead practices in a broad range of areas, including real estate, financial services, securities litigation and intellectual property.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:54:03 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, May 28th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

12 Winstead PC Attorneys were selected as Houston’s Top Lawyers…

Miami-based firm Greenberg Traurig made additions to its offices in Albany and Philadelphia…

New York-based White & Case promoted five overseas attorneys to partner…

International firm Eversheds named five new partners to its global operations…

12 Winstead PC Attorneys Selected as Houston’s Top Lawyers

joshua — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:18:09 +0000

Winstead PC, one of the largest business law firms in Texas, recently announced that 12 of its attorneys were selected as Houston’s Top Lawyers by H Texas Magazine.

According to the press release at the firm’s website, this annual recognition honors attorneys in the Houston area for their outstanding performance and professional reputation in the legal industry.

These attorneys represent the top 2 percent of those identified as ‘the best’, as determined through a combination of peer votes and reader nominations. The listing will appear in the June issue of the magazine and on its website.

Following are the Winstead attorneys recognized as Houston’s Top Lawyers:

Yasmin Atasi – Commercial Litigation
Denis Braham – Mergers & Acquisitions
Henry “Bud” Ehrlich – Intellectual Property
Joe Epstein – Bankruptcy & Workout
Greg Erwin – Real Estate Law
Mark Guthrie – Construction Law
Tom Hutcheson – Energy & Natural Resources
Vincent Marino – Real Estate Law
Gail McDonald – Mergers & Acquisitions
Barry Putterman – Real Estate Law
Teresa Schneider – Commercial Litigation
Robert Shaddox – Intellectual Property

Morning News Roundup for Monday

Erik Even — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:07 +0000

Good morning! Here are the top stories:

This week in law firm layoffs: 49 lawyers, 11 staff, 175 undisclosed…

A JDJournal tipster tells us that Mishcon de Reya has begun a round of redundancies, targeting 10 to 12 staffers…

Winstead which has let go 20 employees, according to the Dallas Morning News…

Linklaters is now the UK’s largest law firm by revenue, reporting income of £1.3 billion ($2.13 billion)…

Ruden McClosky has laid off eight associates…

Winstead Lays Off 20 Employees

Erik Even — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:58:32 +0000

Winstead, which in April canceled its 2009 summer associate program, has let go 20 employees, according to the Dallas Morning News.

No additional information, such as whether lawyers were affected, is available. If you know anything about layoffs at at Winstead, please send us a confidential tip.

Winstead PC has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and in Washington, DC.

Winstead Poaches Real Estate Team from Bracewell

Erik Even — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:15:49 +0000

Winstead has added three attorneys from the San Antonio office of Bracewell & Giuliani.

Frank Ruttenberg joins Winstead in San Antonio as a shareholder. Elizabeth Breazeale joins as of counsel, and D. Farr Nolen joins as an associate.

All three join the real estate development and investment practice.

Winstead PC has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and in Washington, DC.

The Week in Law Firm Layoffs

Erik Even — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:26:37 +0000

This week in law firm layoffs:

Brownstein Hyatt: 15 lawyers, 22 staff

Chapman and Cutler: undisclosed lawyers

Quinn Emanuel: 10 staff

DLA Piper: estimated 32 lawyers

Willkie Farr & Gallagher: 24 undisclosed

Vedder Price: 9 lawyers

Townsend and Townsend and Crew: 16 lawyers, 45 staff

Bracewell & Giuliani: undisclosed staff

Baker & McKenzie: 38 lawyers, 86 staff

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek: 90 staff

Clifford Chance: 10 lawyers

Winstead PC: undisclosed lawyers

Bricker & Eckler: 9 lawyers, 19 staff

William Fry: 17 staff

Shipman & Goodwin: 5 lawyers, 21 staff

Total: 144 lawyers, 310 staff

Week of March 29th: 199 lawyers, 474 staff

Week of March 22nd: 455 lawyers, 219 staff

Week of March 15th: 91 lawyers, 177 staff

Week of March 8th: 574 lawyers, 812 staff

Rumor: Winstead Revoking Offers to New Associates? [Update]

Erik Even — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:12 +0000

Last month Winstead, a Texas law firm with seven offices, canceled its 2009 summer associate program. The firm is offering $5,000 each to the 2Ls who are left without summer employment.

Now online sources are claiming the firm has revoked offers to incoming associates, without any kind of severance.

The firm denies the revocation rumor, stating that start dates have merely been deferred, with stipends.

If you know anything about the situation at Winstead, please — send us a confidential tip!

Winstead PC has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and in Washington, DC.

UPDATE:

A JDJournal tipsters says:

I can confirm that incoming associates have had their offers rescinded without any severance at the Houston office. It happened to a close friend of mine. In fact, the news was delivered without so much as an apology. Worse, the firm promised to do everything possible to help with outplacement, but when contacted about it, simply said they would “let them know if anything comes up,” i.e. they aren’t planning to do anything. It’s odd, really, that they would offer a severance to 2Ls without a summer clerkship, but nothing to a 3Ls with rescinded permanent offers.

Winstead Cancels 2009 Summer Program

Erik Even — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:30:05 +0000

Winstead PC, a Texas law firm with seven offices, has canceled its 2009 summer associate program.

The Am Law 200 firm is offering $5,000 each to the 2Ls who are left without summer employment.

Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and in Washington, DC.