There is a lot to consider when starting a new business. Where should the business be registered? Should it be an LLC or a corporation? Will there be an office space? Will there be employees? How will it market and grow its customer base? IP attorney TJ Mihill takes takes a look at these questions and more in this Stites & Harbison Client Alert.

In a September 16, 2025 decision, the Sixth Circuit concluded that the maker of Kia and Hyundai cars could have foreseen that their decision—spanning a period of 10 years—not to install common anti-theft deterrents would lead to a sharp rise in the number of auto thefts, increasing the potential for harming innocent victims of negligently driven stolen cars.

Recent federal legislation has permanently extended the historically high unified exemption amount for federal estate and gift tax purposes. The current exemption of $13.99 million per individual remains in place through December 31, 2025. Beginning in 2026, the exemption will increase to $15 million per person, with annual inflation adjustments starting in 2027. Assets transferred in excess of the applicable exemption —either during life or at death—remain subject to a 40% federal estate and gift tax. Gentry Collins takes a look at the changes in this Stites & Harbison Client Alert.

Last week’s headlines about the possible conversion of the Fifth Third Center tower, one of downtown Nashville’s largest office buildings, into a hotel signal more than a one-off real estate story. Across the city, from The Gulch to Peabody Street, Nashville developers are looking at underused office buildings and imagining a second life for them as hotels. For lenders, these projects can present real opportunity. They can also bring a very different set of risks than a typical office loan. Mary Lu Noah and Haley Duncan take a look at those opportunities and risks in this Stites & Harbison Client Alert.