Interlex Group News

DALLAS, TEXAS, July 15, 2005 - Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C. is pleased to announce that Robert J. Witte, a shareholder in the Firm's Litigation Practice, has been honored with the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) President's Award. The award was presented during the TYLA Awards Dinner in Dallas in conjunction with the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.

During the awards presentation, TYLA President David R. McAtee II stated, "Robert's leadership within TYLA is widely recognized and appreciated by those whom TYLA serves. He has done a tremendous job of implementing key initiatives, and, on a personal level, he is a mentor and model of professionalism to many of us. On behalf of TYLA, we salute Robert for this well-deserved recognition."

Witte co-chaired the Member Services and Local Affiliates Committees and served on TYLA's Long Range Planning Committee. He helped create and implement the "Ten Minute Mentor" program, and was the driving force behind the development of the TYLA Roadshows, a value based continuing legal education program presented on behalf of several TYLA affiliate organizations. He received the award during the recent TYLA Annual Meeting and Dinner in Dallas in conjunction with the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.

He recently was honored by the Dallas Business Journal as one of the top 'Forty Under 40' rising stars in the Dallas/Ft. Worth business community. He was recognized for his legal expertise and professional competence, as well as his leadership in legal organizations - including the TYLA - and his strong community involvement. Witte also was named in D Magazine's 2005 "Best Lawyers in Dallas."

Witte joined Winstead's Litigation Practice in 1993. His practice involves business litigation in state and federal courts, including the areas of general contract, creditors' rights, business tort, negligence, ERISA, copyright and trademark infringement, homeowners' rights, healthcare and telecommunications. In addition to his legal practice, he has taken leadership roles in bar and community activities, as well as in Winstead's recruiting efforts. He serves on numerous civic and professional boards and facilitates leadership development programs throughout the community and the bar.

Witte serves as chairman of the board of Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, which grants more than 300 wishes annually to North Texas children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. He is the founding co-chairman of the foundation's annual black-tie event, Wish Night. In the past, he has served as chairman of the board and co-ball chairman of the Dallas Heart Ball. He remains an active alumnus and is vice president of the University of Oklahoma alumni club of Dallas, and a member of the OU College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors.

Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C. is among the largest business law firms in Texas. With more than 300 attorneys, the Firm provides regional, national and international clients access to a broad range of business legal services representing more than 30 practice areas. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit winstead.com.