Prior to joining the University of Arizona in 1995, where she coordinates all activities within the Office of Career & Professional Development, Dean Birmingham was the Assistant Dean for Career Services, Alumni Relations and Development for the University of Tulsa College of Law (1986 -1995). Her legal work experience includes practice as an associate with Crawford Crowe & Bainbridge (1983 - 1986), a Negotiator/Contract Administrator for a labor union in Washington State (1980 - 1983), and a research fellow studying labor issues (1978 - 1979).

Dean Birmingham is active in several professional associations, including the National Association for Law Placement (Nominating Committee Chair 2003 - 2004, Educational Programming Advisory Committee 2000 - 2003, Board of Directors 1998 - 1999, Gay/Lesbian/Bi Committee 1995 -Present); the State Bar of Arizona Committees on Hiring Issues with Lawyers with Disabilities, and on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity; the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools (Chair, Section on Student Services, 2003), and the American Bar Association (Section on Law Schools). She is co-author of the "Government Honors & Internship Handbook."