As co-leader of McGuireWoods Private Wealth Services practice group, Bill Sanderson represents both high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of sensitive and complex estate and business planning matters. His practice focuses on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration. He is a member of the firm’s fiduciary advisory services practice.
A frequent speaker, Bill has also taught Federal Taxation Practice and Procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business.
Prior to completing his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law, Bill completed coursework at the University of South Carolina School of Law. While attending the University of Virginia, Bill was a member of the Raven Society and the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society.
Bill is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Since March 2022, he has served as chair of its Washington Affairs Committee.
For at least the last two decades, the federal wealth transfer tax has been in a state of continued—sometimes gradual, sometimes fast-paced—evolution. This program will review the landscape of federal legislation dealing with the estate and gift tax, and it will address trends in recent cases, regulatory guidance, and administrative updates that have an impact on estate planning and estate administration.
As co-leader of McGuireWoods Private Wealth Services practice group, Bill Sanderson represents both high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of sensitive and complex estate and business planning matters. His practice focuses on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration. He is a member of the firm’s fiduciary advisory services practice.
A frequent speaker, Bill has also taught Federal Taxation Practice and Procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business.
Prior to completing his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law, Bill completed coursework at the University of South Carolina School of Law. While attending the University of Virginia, Bill was a member of the Raven Society and the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society.
Bill is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Since March 2022, he has served as chair of its Washington Affairs Committee.
For at least the last two decades, the federal wealth transfer tax has been in a state of continued—sometimes gradual, sometimes fast-paced—evolution. This program will review the landscape of federal legislation dealing with the estate and gift tax, and it will address trends in recent cases, regulatory guidance, and administrative updates that have an impact on estate planning and estate administration.
-optimized.jpg)
Karen joined the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty at the University of Alabama in August 2019 and teaches undergraduate and graduate level tax courses. Karen’s areas of specialization include state and local taxation and the taxation of individuals, corporations, and consolidated groups. Prior to joining the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty, Karen worked for an international public accounting firm for twenty-two years, serving as a tax partner based in the firm’s Birmingham office. During her career in public accounting, Karen served clients throughout the Southeast region and specialized in tax provision, consulting, and compliance services for the financial services industry.
Karen received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Accounting, with a tax concentration, from the University of Virginia.
Karen currently serves as a member of State Taxation and Legislation Committee for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a frequent speaker at continuing education events and seminars sponsored by the society, and she has published several articles on taxation topics for the society’s quarterly publication for its members. Karen also serves on the Undergraduate Council for the University of Alabama, and she is a member of the Capital Campaign Committee and the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.
This session will provide an overview of the key individual and business income tax provisions enacted through federal tax legislation during 2025. Significant updates from administrative guidance issued by the IRS and the Treasury Department throughout the year will also be discussed. The outlook for legislation in 2026, including the potential impact of the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, will also be covered.
Karen joined the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty at the University of Alabama in August 2019 and teaches undergraduate and graduate level tax courses. Karen’s areas of specialization include state and local taxation and the taxation of individuals, corporations, and consolidated groups. Prior to joining the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty, Karen worked for an international public accounting firm for twenty-two years, serving as a tax partner based in the firm’s Birmingham office. During her career in public accounting, Karen served clients throughout the Southeast region and specialized in tax provision, consulting, and compliance services for the financial services industry.
Karen received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Accounting, with a tax concentration, from the University of Virginia.
Karen currently serves as a member of State Taxation and Legislation Committee for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a frequent speaker at continuing education events and seminars sponsored by the society, and she has published several articles on taxation topics for the society’s quarterly publication for its members. Karen also serves on the Undergraduate Council for the University of Alabama, and she is a member of the Capital Campaign Committee and the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.
This session will provide an overview of the key individual and business income tax provisions enacted through federal tax legislation during 2025. Significant updates from administrative guidance issued by the IRS and the Treasury Department throughout the year will also be discussed. The outlook for legislation in 2026, including the potential impact of the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, will also be covered.
David Aughtry's practice focuses on civil and criminal tax litigation.
Mr. Aughtry graduated from The Citadel in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with a master's in accounting and a law degree. He graduated from Emory University in 1982 with a master's in taxation (LL.M.).
Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina Law School, Mr. Aughtry joined the Internal Revenue Service as a Trial Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, where he also served as a Tax Shelter Coordinator. Mr. Aughtry taught Tax Controversy as an Adjunct Professor in the Emory University Master's in Taxation Program from 1987 through 1994 and in the Emory School of Law from 1995 through 1998 and 2003.
From 1996 through 2002, he served as an Instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocates (NITA) in its program on "Litigating before the United States Tax Court" and was recently selected as a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He is recognized as a national authority in tax litigation in Chambers USA and the US Legal 500 Litigation Guide.
Mr. Aughtry has tried (and/or argued on appeal) over 70 cases and successfully argued Hubert v. Commissioner before the Tax Court, the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Among the public company matters, David successfully tried Santa Fe Pacific Gold Co. v. Commissioner (termination or breakup fee in hostile takeover held to be deductible, with Indopco distinguished) and Plains Petroleum Co. v. Commissioner (Section 269 tax avoidance held factually inapplicable to the acquisition of a subsidiary with an $85 mil. NOL) to a final opinion.
Charles Chuck Rettig, a Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the Firm's Tax Controversy & Litigation practice and other Tax and Trust & Estate practices, served as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 2018 through 2022.
As a member of Chamberlain Hrdlicka's Tax Controversy & Litigation Practice, he draws on both his extensive background representing taxpayers and his deep knowledge of the IRS organization, operations and procedures in work for his clients. His practice focuses on tax, federal and state tax controversies and investigations, including sensitive issue examinations, administrative appeals, civil tax litigation, and representation in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions.
As IRS Commissioner, Chuck presided over the nations tax system, which collected more than $4.9 trillion in tax revenue in FY22, representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. He managed an agency of about 83,000 employees and a budget of more than $14.1 billion. During his tenure, he focused on improving service to the nations taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nations tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights, with a particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. In recognition of his leadership of the IRS, Chuck received the Alexander Hamilton Award from Treasury, the highest honor for individuals selected by the Secretary, whose performance and leadership demonstrate the highest standards of and dedication to public service benefiting our country
In this bizarre enforcement environment, this presentation will provide you with a detailed insight into the tools the IRS will be using in targeting wealthy individuals, their family offices, and close-held businesses, and estate planning.
David Aughtry's practice focuses on civil and criminal tax litigation.
Mr. Aughtry graduated from The Citadel in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with a master's in accounting and a law degree. He graduated from Emory University in 1982 with a master's in taxation (LL.M.).
Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina Law School, Mr. Aughtry joined the Internal Revenue Service as a Trial Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, where he also served as a Tax Shelter Coordinator. Mr. Aughtry taught Tax Controversy as an Adjunct Professor in the Emory University Master's in Taxation Program from 1987 through 1994 and in the Emory School of Law from 1995 through 1998 and 2003.
From 1996 through 2002, he served as an Instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocates (NITA) in its program on "Litigating before the United States Tax Court" and was recently selected as a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He is recognized as a national authority in tax litigation in Chambers USA and the US Legal 500 Litigation Guide.
Mr. Aughtry has tried (and/or argued on appeal) over 70 cases and successfully argued Hubert v. Commissioner before the Tax Court, the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Among the public company matters, David successfully tried Santa Fe Pacific Gold Co. v. Commissioner (termination or breakup fee in hostile takeover held to be deductible, with Indopco distinguished) and Plains Petroleum Co. v. Commissioner (Section 269 tax avoidance held factually inapplicable to the acquisition of a subsidiary with an $85 mil. NOL) to a final opinion.
Charles Chuck Rettig, a Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the Firm's Tax Controversy & Litigation practice and other Tax and Trust & Estate practices, served as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 2018 through 2022.
As a member of Chamberlain Hrdlicka's Tax Controversy & Litigation Practice, he draws on both his extensive background representing taxpayers and his deep knowledge of the IRS organization, operations and procedures in work for his clients. His practice focuses on tax, federal and state tax controversies and investigations, including sensitive issue examinations, administrative appeals, civil tax litigation, and representation in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions.
As IRS Commissioner, Chuck presided over the nations tax system, which collected more than $4.9 trillion in tax revenue in FY22, representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. He managed an agency of about 83,000 employees and a budget of more than $14.1 billion. During his tenure, he focused on improving service to the nations taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nations tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights, with a particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. In recognition of his leadership of the IRS, Chuck received the Alexander Hamilton Award from Treasury, the highest honor for individuals selected by the Secretary, whose performance and leadership demonstrate the highest standards of and dedication to public service benefiting our country
In this bizarre enforcement environment, this presentation will provide you with a detailed insight into the tools the IRS will be using in targeting wealthy individuals, their family offices, and close-held businesses, and estate planning.
Cynthia G. Lamar-Hart, Esq. chairs the Estate Planning, Fiduciary Advisory Services and Fiduciary Litigation practice groups from the Birmingham, Alabama office of Maynard Nexsen PC. In addition to her representation of individuals and fiduciaries in planning, administration and litigation, Cynthia also serves as mediator for trust and estate disputes. She also chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiatives and formerly served on the firm’s executive committee.
Cynthia is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”) who lectures frequently on estate-planning and fiduciary litigation topics at national ACTEC meetings, as well as the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Institute on Federal Taxation, the Southern Federal Tax Institute, the University of Alabama CLE, the former Southern Trust School and others. Cynthia is a past chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, serves as a Regent of the College, is the Alabama State Chair, is a Director of the ACTEC Foundation and serves on the Advisory Committee to ACTEC’s Southeast Fellows Institute.
Cynthia has been ranked as a Band 1, leading attorney in the area of “Private Wealth law” by Chambers and Partners. She has been awarded The Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" in 2022, 2020, and 2015 for “Litigation: Trusts and Estates” and again in 2016 for “Trusts & Estates.” She is consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and in Super Lawyers in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Trust and Estate Litigation. Alabama Super Lawyers has recognized her among its Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama and Top 25 Women Lawyers in Alabama. In 2016 and 2017, Cynthia earned the distinction as one of Mid-South Super Lawyers' "Top 50 Female Lawyers." In 2020, Cynthia was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as “Best of the Bar” in Trusts and Estates. Cynthia is a Past President of the Probate Section and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Bar Association. She serves on an advisory board of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and graduated from Leadership Birmingham in 2022. She is a past member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee and a past President of the YWCA of Central Alabama Junior Board and member of the YWCA of Central Alabama Board of directors.
Cynthia was awarded a B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Birmingham-Southern College, and was awarded a J.D. from Yale Law School
The session will review the elements and scope of non-judicial settlement agreements (“NJSAs”) in Alabama, creative uses for NJSAs and areas of disagreement among practitioners.
Cynthia G. Lamar-Hart, Esq. chairs the Estate Planning, Fiduciary Advisory Services and Fiduciary Litigation practice groups from the Birmingham, Alabama office of Maynard Nexsen PC. In addition to her representation of individuals and fiduciaries in planning, administration and litigation, Cynthia also serves as mediator for trust and estate disputes. She also chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiatives and formerly served on the firm’s executive committee.
Cynthia is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”) who lectures frequently on estate-planning and fiduciary litigation topics at national ACTEC meetings, as well as the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Institute on Federal Taxation, the Southern Federal Tax Institute, the University of Alabama CLE, the former Southern Trust School and others. Cynthia is a past chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, serves as a Regent of the College, is the Alabama State Chair, is a Director of the ACTEC Foundation and serves on the Advisory Committee to ACTEC’s Southeast Fellows Institute.
Cynthia has been ranked as a Band 1, leading attorney in the area of “Private Wealth law” by Chambers and Partners. She has been awarded The Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" in 2022, 2020, and 2015 for “Litigation: Trusts and Estates” and again in 2016 for “Trusts & Estates.” She is consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and in Super Lawyers in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Trust and Estate Litigation. Alabama Super Lawyers has recognized her among its Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama and Top 25 Women Lawyers in Alabama. In 2016 and 2017, Cynthia earned the distinction as one of Mid-South Super Lawyers' "Top 50 Female Lawyers." In 2020, Cynthia was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as “Best of the Bar” in Trusts and Estates. Cynthia is a Past President of the Probate Section and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Bar Association. She serves on an advisory board of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and graduated from Leadership Birmingham in 2022. She is a past member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee and a past President of the YWCA of Central Alabama Junior Board and member of the YWCA of Central Alabama Board of directors.
Cynthia was awarded a B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Birmingham-Southern College, and was awarded a J.D. from Yale Law School
The session will review the elements and scope of non-judicial settlement agreements (“NJSAs”) in Alabama, creative uses for NJSAs and areas of disagreement among practitioners.
Ben Whitaker, VP – Regions Bank Natural Resources & Real Estate – Alternative Assets
Ben joined Regions’ Natural Resources and Real Estate Department in 2013 to assist the Timber Fund Manager with various client’s private placements in investment grade timberland properties across the southeastern United States. In 2017, he transitioned to a Property Manager serving a variety of bank clients owning timberland and farmland properties. In 2023, he became the Alternative Asset Manager responsible for assisting Regions Property Managers navigate alternative opportunities such as solar, wind and carbon capture and manage Regions Timber Funds.
Before joining Regions Bank, Ben served as a forester for Weyerhaeuser in the southeastern United States and worked for the Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. He is a registered forester, a member of the Alabama Forestry Association and holds a Forest Management degree from Auburn University.
Will discuss impacts of both traditional and less traditional emerging uses of land and the resulting management in various capacities.
Ben Whitaker, VP – Regions Bank Natural Resources & Real Estate – Alternative Assets
Ben joined Regions’ Natural Resources and Real Estate Department in 2013 to assist the Timber Fund Manager with various client’s private placements in investment grade timberland properties across the southeastern United States. In 2017, he transitioned to a Property Manager serving a variety of bank clients owning timberland and farmland properties. In 2023, he became the Alternative Asset Manager responsible for assisting Regions Property Managers navigate alternative opportunities such as solar, wind and carbon capture and manage Regions Timber Funds.
Before joining Regions Bank, Ben served as a forester for Weyerhaeuser in the southeastern United States and worked for the Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. He is a registered forester, a member of the Alabama Forestry Association and holds a Forest Management degree from Auburn University.
Will discuss impacts of both traditional and less traditional emerging uses of land and the resulting management in various capacities.
This event has ended.