University of Alabama at Birmingham Interim Chief University Counsel Cam Earnhardt — who has served in the interim role since August — has been named permanent chief university counsel, effective Jan. 1, 2026. 

“Cam led the UAB Office of Counsel expertly for the last several months and has offered a steady and knowledgeable voice as a member of the senior leadership team,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “Her experience, leadership and commitment to UAB will be invaluable to our continued success.” 

As chief counsel, Earnhardt will serve on the President’s Cabinet and advise on a broad range of legal issues spanning higher education and health care, as well as oversee the operations of the UAB Office of Counsel. 

Prior to joining UAB as university counsel in 2012, Earnhardt was a partner with Burr & Forman L.L.P. She holds a law degree from Washington and Lee University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clemson University.

“It has been an honor to serve UAB for more than a decade,” Earnhardt said, “and I am grateful for this opportunity to lead our team in the Office of Counsel in the service of the institution’s important mission.” 

University of Alabama System General Counsel and Senior Vice Chancellor John Daniel served as UAB chief counsel before taking the UA System role. 

“Cam is infinitely qualified and ready to take on this role,” Daniel said. “The UAB community and the countless people across Alabama and beyond who benefit from UAB’s education, research and innovation, health care and community service, will be well served by her tenure as chief counsel.”