Originally published on March 31, 2020.
Travis Adair credits Southern Utah University, and his experience here, for helping him gain confidence to pursue a legal education and opening doors of opportunity for him.
Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Travis spent his teen years in Richfield, Utah, and chose SUU after his older brother Marty (’03) raved about his experience here, which made Southern Utah a natural choice for him. He majored in finance and never even considered law school, at least not until the economy changed his plans.
“I graduated from SUU in the midst of the financial recession (in 2009) and had to rethink my plans in a hurry,” he says. “My uplifting experience at SUU helped me to have the confidence to pursue a legal education knowing it would open many opportunities for my career.”
He credits SUU professor Stephen Evens and Joe Baker for seeing potential in him and serving as mentors. They helped him understand how much he could accomplish, which was more than he envisioned on his own.
Now in his sixth year with Cook Law Office in Tempe, Arizona, Travis spent several years in the courtroom as a litigator before taking on the responsibility for the firm’s business development. He was promoted to senior associate two years ago and will make partner in September 2020. Travis is proud to have helped nearly 2,000 clients through various legal situations.
“Although stressful at times, I love facing the evolving challenges that attorneys are tasked with solving on behalf of clients,” he explains. “During my tenure, the law firm has achieved tremendous growth, becoming one of the more recognizable firms in the Phoenix metropolitan area.”
After many years in Arizona, Travis and his wife Mattie (’10), along with their two young boys, recently moved back to Cedar City, thanks to the opportunity to work remotely for the firm while being close to extended family.
Travis and is family are passionate about the outdoors, and have enjoyed following Thunderbird Athletics and being more involved with SUU.
