The Adams and Reese family is sad to announce that Robert "Bob" C. Campbell III – one of the most distinguished Education Law attorneys in Alabama and Counsel in our Mobile office – passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Bob practiced law for an incredible 57 years, and he built his storied career based on the principles of integrity, honesty, hard work, and devotion to his clients.
Bob’s biggest impact was on school board and education law in Alabama, serving as general counsel to several schools and school systems, and representing and advising school boards, school districts, and individual schools, litigating disputes, and issues for these clients. Bob was the former President of the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. He was a board member of the National School Boards Association Council.
Bob appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding constitutional issues pertaining to school desegregation, voting rights, and school prayer. Bob was retained by numerous cities seeking to separate their school systems from larger county school systems. He consulted school boards about the process, as well as their potential to separate from county systems.
While representing school board clients and routinely attending all their night meetings and special meetings, Bob also maintained a general civil practice, as well as municipalities in municipal law, and representing clients in criminal defense, personal injury, and various other litigation matters.
Bob served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney for Mobile; Special Assistant AG for the State of Alabama; Assistant City Attorney for the City of Mobile; Assistant Juvenile Judge for Mobile County Youth Center; and an adjunct law instructor for the University of South Alabama.
Bob received many awards, accolades, and honors for his legal practice. He was recognized by Best Lawyers in America in Education Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – First Amendment, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Litigation – Municipal. He was ranked by Martindale-Hubbell as AV Preeminent, Peer Review Rated, and by Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Bob was active in the legal community, serving as Mobile Chapter President of the Federal Bar Association, and as an active member of the American Bar Association, Alabama State Bar, and Mobile Bar Association.
In the Alabama community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of a local bank in Mobile for more than 12 years. He was Board Chair of the United States Sports Academy, and he was on the board of the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
In 2023, Bob received an Honorary Doctorate from the United States Sports Academy recognizing his more than 50-year commitment to the practice of law and as the longest serving USSA board chair. The award also acknowledged those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership and achievement in sports, sports education, and in sports-related professions.
Bob received his J.D. from Cumberland Law School, Samford University, in 1967, and his B.A. from Georgetown College in 1964. Bob received the Georgetown College Alumni Achievement Award and was inducted as a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Hall of Fame.
Bob served in the U.S. Army Infantry attached to JAG from 1967–1969.
Bob was an incredible mentor, leader, and presence in our Mobile office, and across our firm, who will be greatly missed.