Governor Bentley’s Legal Advisor (cabinet-level position) Cooper Shattuck is leaving the Governor’s office to take a job as the General Counsel of the University of Alabama System. Shattuck has been a trusted voice in the Governor’s office since leaving Tuscaloosa law firm of Rosen Hardwood, P.A. to join the Administration.

“Cooper is going to be missed,” a member of the Governor’s staff told Yellowhammer. “Everyone enjoys working with him — we hate to see him go but the UA System is getting a great addition to their team.”

Shattuck was a major player in the aftermath of the BP oil spill. Residents of Alabama’s coastal communities were well-served by Shattuck’s competence and tenacity. Shattuck’s move makes Communications Director Rebekah Mason and Chief of Staff David Perry the last of Governor Bentley’s original senior staff to remain in the administration, although Perry began as Finance Director.

[Update 9:45 a.m.] Director of Constituent Services Taylor Vice and Appointments Director Zach Lee are also senior staff members who have been around since the genesis of the Administration.