SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 6, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Stanford Purser to serve as general counsel in the Governor’s Office, succeeding Daniel O’Bannon, who was appointed to the Utah Court of Appeals in October, subject to Utah Senate confirmation. Purser will begin his service on Nov. 23, 2026.
“Stanford brings extensive legal experience and a deep understanding of the issues facing our state,” Gov. Cox said. “His work on complex cases in state and federal courts will be a tremendous asset to our office. I’m grateful for his willingness to serve Utahns in this new role.”
Purser joined the Utah Attorney General’s Office in 2011 and was appointed solicitor general in March 2024. He previously served as civil appeals division director and deputy solicitor general for more than eight years. Before joining the office, he practiced at two large law firms, including K&L Gates, focusing on civil appeals and complex commercial litigation.
“I’m grateful for Gov. Cox’s trust and the opportunity to serve Utahns in this role,” Purser said. “I look forward to working with the governor and his team to provide careful legal counsel on the important decisions facing our state.”
Purser earned his undergraduate degree cum laude, with University Honors, from Brigham Young University and his law degree magna cum laude from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and Law Review. He clerked for Justices Stewart and Durrant on the Utah Supreme Court and Judge Monroe McKay on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Purser and his wife, Mary, have four children. |
