The shareholders of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel have elected Steve Barham to serve as president and managing shareholder of the firm. Barham previously served as chair of the litigation and risk management section at Chambliss and as the firm’s general counsel.
In his new role, Barham will work with executive director Tony Young to manage the firm’s professional services and operations. He’ll continue to represent clients in his litigation practice, including health care groups, medical revenue cycle management companies, financial institutions and consumer lending and leasing entities across the U.S.
Barham succeeds Mark Cunningham, who led the firm through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking on this leadership role at Chambliss is an honor,” Barham says. “Throughout my time with the firm, we’ve seen incredible growth and success due to the hard work and leadership of Mark and the many strong leaders that came before him.”
“Steve possesses all the qualities of an exceptional leader,” Cunningham says. “He brings sound judgment, impartiality and a thoughtful approach. Steve is also a remarkable attorney whose vision will continue to guide Chambliss toward positive growth and strategic success.”
Barham has served Chambliss clients for over 20 years and has worked with various business leaders nationwide. He counsels physicians, medical groups and financial institutions on Medicare audit appeals, private insurance disputes, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and federal law matters.
Barham also handles general litigation, class actions and product liability cases.
In the community, Barham serves as secretary on the board for Legal Aid of East Tennessee, treasurer of the Mid-South Commercial Law Institute and on the board for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Wesley Foundation.
The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed Barham to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners Investigatory Committee since 2017. Barham is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, Tennessee Bankers Association and Chattanooga, Tennessee and American Bar associations.
Barham is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga. He graduated magna cum laude from Emory & Henry College and attended the University of Virginia School of Law.
Founded in 1886, Chambliss is a Chattanooga-based law firm serving local, regional and national clients. With over 135 employees, the firm offers a range of legal services, including business, cybersecurity and data privacy, construction and real estate, estate planning, finance, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation and mergers and acquisitions.
The firm serves as counsel for businesses, financial institutions, local governments, families, individuals and nonprofit organizations.