Mitchell McNutt

05/18/2026

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Lowry Wilson, our Technology Director for more than two decades.

Over the course of his career, Lowry witnessed — and helped lead — incredible technological changes, from the early days of limited internet access and bulky computers to today’s world of high-speed connectivity and smartphones in the palm of our hands. Through it all, his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the firm never wavered.

Lowry has left a lasting impact on our team, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done over the years. Please join us in congratulating him on a well-earned retirement and wishing him all the best in this exciting next chapter!

05/04/2026

ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT | Rick Culp

This month’s attorney spotlight features Rick Culp, one of the firm’s senior litigators. Rick initially chose Tupelo and the Mitchell McNutt law firm in 1986, with the goal of developing and sharpening his professional skills and personal and community goals. Today, insurers regularly call on Rick, who has developed a stellar reputation for providing insurance companies with sound coverage opinions and excellent insurance defense across Mississippi.
Although keenly dedicated to his practice, when Rick isn’t solving the legal issues facing his clients, he is devoted to his wife, Lori, and his children and grandchildren. Rick is also an avid rock climber, and Rick and Lori are consistent supporters of the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

The early morning hours, typically by 5:00 a.m., are when one can get a real peek behind the curtain at what makes Rick’s discipline and commitment remain at a high level after forty (40) years of practice. Before the sun comes up, Rick's shoes are laced and he can be found maintaining an unwavering cadence on the streets and tracks of Tupelo. Like his dedication to his work, Rick’s acute focus on his running goals keeps him in shape- and usually ahead of the pack. He has completed numerous marathons and earned five (5) medals for completing the iconic Boston Marathon, the most recent being last month at the 2026 race, held in Boston on April 20, 2026.

“The discipline of running informs a lot of what I do in other arenas of life” says Rick. A former Boston Marathon winner, Des Linden, is credited with claiming that the commitment to “Keep Showing Up” is the key to favorable outcomes, something that Rick has taken to heart over the years. “I’ve adopted that as a life mantra,” says Rick. “No matter the arena, if you “Keep Showing Up,” even when you don’t quite feel like it, and put in the necessary, purpose-filled work, good things WILL happen. This has application to one’s faith-life, marriage, fitness and vocational endeavors.”

As shown by his professional success and growing collection of race medals, Rick maintains an admirable discipline and intentional study of his craft. Rick is a prime example of the mission of our firm: providing unwavering dedication to legal excellence, and providing quality work product and favorable results to clients.

To contact Rick, visit https://www.mitchellmcnutt.com/attorneys/rick-culp

04/06/2026

Congratulations to attorney Mike Chase on his recent appellate win before the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Last week, the Court handed down an opinion in Secrist v. Rush Medical Foundation et al., affirming the lower court's dismissal and holding that healthcare providers were immune from liability under Mississippi’s COVID-19 immunity statute for care rendered during the state of emergency. The decision reinforces the broad scope of statutory immunity for providers during the pandemic and is a significant appellate decision.

Well done, Mike!

04/01/2026

Our firm is proud to support this year's Thomas Hayes Mayo 5K. The race took place this past Saturday, raising over $40,000 to benefit the Thomas Hayes Mayo Lab at the University of Mississippi. Several Mitchell McNutt attorneys sponsored this event on behalf of the firm in support of friend of the firm and fellow practitioner, Cal Mayo, the Mayo family, and in memory of Thomas Mayo.

The Mayo Lab is a division of the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, and was established in memory of Thomas Mayo and serves the purpose of providing resources for the growing number of today's college students grappling with mental health challenges — from anxiety and depression to struggles with nutrition, addiction, and academic stress. For more information about the Mayo Lab and its mission, visit https://themayolab.com/

03/23/2026

ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT | Brannon Kahlstorf

Brannon Kahlstorf was born and raised in Tupelo and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from the University of Mississippi, where he also received his law degree. He joined Mitchell McNutt in 2005 and was invited to become a shareholder at the firm in 2012.

Brannon maintains a robust real estate and general business practice, assisting families, businesses, and lenders with transactions of all sizes. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, he helps clients navigate important decisions with confidence.

Outside the practice of law, Brannon is a pillar in the Tupelo community, serving as a board member for AEE (Association for Educational Excellence), Sanctuary Hospice House, and the Tupelo Ballet. He is also a commission member for the Tupelo Redevelopment Agency and a member of The Orchard Church. In his free time, Brannon enjoys spending time with his wife, Catherine, and their three children.

To learn more or connect with Brannon, visit: https://www.mitchellmcnutt.com/attorneys/brannon-kahlstorf

01/27/2026

Due to the ice storm affecting North Mississippi, our Oxford office remains without power. Please direct any calls intended for Oxford staff/attorneys to our Tupelo main phone line at 662-842-3871. We are grateful that our employees are safe and appreciate the leadership and efforts of the City of Oxford, Northeast Mississippi Electric Power Association, and their teams. We continue to keep Oxford and the recovery ahead in our thoughts.

Photography Credit: The New York Times

01/19/2026

12/16/2025

We are saddened to share the passing of attorney Otis R. Tims. Otis was a dedicated colleague and friend to many, whose professionalism, integrity, and commitment to his clients and community leave a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at First United Methodist in Tupelo, with a memorial service following at 11:00 A.M.

https://www.peguesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/otis-tims

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Mitchell McNutt! All offices will close for the holiday at 3:00 PM today, November 26, and remain closed through Friday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 1st. We wish everyone an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving!

11/21/2025

Last week, several Mitchell McNutt attorneys attended the Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference Annual Seminar in Jackson. We were honored to have two of our attorneys, Bess Fisher and former United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi, David Houston, III, serve as speakers at this year’s program. Our creditors’ rights and bankruptcy practitioners welcome this annual opportunity to connect with colleagues and stay informed on current developments in consumer matters, Chapter 11/commercial bankruptcy issues, and local rules. Mitchell McNutt is proud to be a continuing sponsor of the MBC and the annual seminar, and remains committed to supporting the education and collaboration of Mississippi’s bankruptcy bar.

Picture 1: From left to right: Andy Phillips (Oxford), Bess Fisher (Oxford), and Jim Wilson (Columbus)
Picture 2: David Houston, III (Tupelo)