Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. is pleased to announce Steve Barham has been elected to serve as president and managing shareholder of the firm. He previously served in several leadership roles at Chambliss as chair of the litigation and risk management section and as the firm’s general counsel, advising on various standards, ethics, and professional responsibilities. In his new role, Barham will work closely with the firm’s executive director, Tony Young, to manage the firm’s professional services and operations, guaranteeing that providing efficient and effective client service continues to be the firm’s highest priority. He will continue actively representing clients in his litigation practice, representing health care groups, medical revenue cycle management companies, financial institutions, and consumer lending and leasing entities across the U.S. on various disputes.
“I am honored to take on this leadership role at Chambliss,” said Barham. “Throughout my time with the firm, we’ve seen incredible growth and success, largely due to the hard work and leadership of Mark Cunningham and the many strong leaders that came before him. Our clients and employees are at the core of our success, and I am committed to supporting them in achieving their goals moving forward.”
Barham will succeed Cunningham, who served as the firm’s managing shareholder for several years and championed the firm through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Steve possesses all the qualities of an exceptional leader,” said Cunningham. “He brings sound judgment, impartiality, and a thoughtful approach, ensuring decisions are made with careful consideration and respect. Steve is a remarkable attorney whose vision will continue to guide Chambliss toward positive growth and strategic success, all while strengthening community partnerships and cultivating fiercely loyal relationships with our clients.”
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 such as the TCPA, FCRA, and FDCPA. Barham also handles general litigation, class actions, and product liability cases, consistently advocating for clients while maintaining a calm, fair, and respectful approach.
Barham serves as secretary on the board for Legal Aid of East Tennessee, treasurer of the Mid-South Commercial Law Institute, and chair of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Wesley Foundation board. He has been appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners Investigatory Committee since 2017. Barham is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, Tennessee Bankers Association, and the Chattanooga, Tennessee, and American Bar Associations. He has been recognized for his litigation practice by Best Lawyers in America® and Mid-South Super Lawyers. In addition, Barham is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga. Barham graduated magna cum laude from Emory & Henry College and attended the University of Virginia School of Law.
