Laura Coates Biography
Laura Coates is a prominent CNN chief legal analyst, attorney, author, and TV host. She grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts and later Minnesota. Coates holds a degree from Princeton University and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Early in her career, she practiced law in Minnesota and New York. Then Coates became a federal prosecutor for the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. She worked on voting rights enforcement across the United States.
In 2016, she joined CNN as a senior legal analyst. Later, she became their Chief Legal Analyst and host of Laura Coates Live. Her show breaks down legal, political, and cultural news for global audiences.
Coates also hosts The Laura Coates Show on SiriusXM, where she discusses law, politics, and culture. Her first book, You Have the Right, teaches citizens about legal rights. She followed with Just Pursuit, a New York Times bestseller about her courtroom experiences.
Furthermore, Coates taught law as an adjunct professor and speaks about civil rights and justice issues. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and two children.
Laura Coates Age
How old is Laura Coates?
Laura was born on July 11, 1979, making her 45 years old in 2026. She celebrates her birthday every summer under the Cancer zodiac sign. Coates brings decades of legal and media experience to CNN as Chief Legal Analyst. Moreover, she balances her career with family life in Washington, D.C.
Laura Coates’s Height
How tall is Laura Coates?
Laura stands at about 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. This height reflects her on‑screen presence as a CNN legal analyst and anchor. She balances her professional stature with engaging commentary. Moreover, her size proves that confidence and expertise matter more than physical height in media and law careers.
Laura Coates Husband
Who is Laura Coates husband?
Laura, the CNN chief legal analyst and attorney, married Dale Gordon in 2010. Her husband supports her busy career covering legal news and justice issues for CNN and other media. They live in Washington, D.C., and raise two children together. Gordon stays out of the spotlight, but interviews say he helps Coates balance family life with her professional roles. Moreover, the family often attends events together and prioritizes quality time. Coates talks about her partner as a strong support system in her career and personal growth.
Laura Coates Children | Kids
Coates has two children with her husband, Dale Gordon. They live together in Washington, D.C. with their kids. Her son Adrian and daughter Sydney often appear in family stories Coates shares. She actively supports their interests, attends school events, and even joins Sydney’s Girl Scouts troop. Coates balances her demanding TV and legal career with dedicated parenting. Moreover, she often talks about how her children inspire her daily. Her family life brings relatable depth to her legal and media commentary.
Laura Coates Education – Schools, Degrees & Legal Training
Laura Coates, the CNN chief legal analyst, attorney, and author, has an impressive academic background. She graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School in Minnesota in 1997. Then she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs in 2001. Next, she completed her Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Minnesota Law School in 2005. Coates later taught law as an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School, sharing legal insights with future attorneys.
Laura Coates Ethnicity – Race & Background of CNN Chief Legal Analyst
What ethnicity is Laura Coates?
Laura identifies as African‑American, reflecting her racial heritage and cultural identity. She often discusses issues of race, justice, and equity in her commentary and writing. Her book Just Pursuit explores experiences as a Black federal prosecutor fighting for fairness in the legal system. Moreover, Coates highlights how her background shapes her perspective on civil rights and law. She also engages in conversations about racial inequities facing the United States today
Laura Coates’s CNN Career – Roles, Shows & Legal Analyst Journey
Laura Coates began her CNN career in 2016 as a senior legal analyst, offering expert commentary on major news stories. Over time, she became a go‑to constitutional and legal voice for the network. Then, in May 2023, CNN named her Chief Legal Analyst, recognizing her deep expertise and trusted analysis across programming. Furthermore, she hosts her own nightly news discussion show, Laura Coates Live, airing weeknights. Coates also appears regularly on CNN primetime news segments, town halls, and specials covering high‑profile court cases and political events. Moreover, she brings perspective from her previous roles as a federal prosecutor and legal educator. Outside television, she hosts The Laura Coates Show on SiriusXM, where she discusses law, politics, and culture.
Laura Coates’s Books
Laura writes insightful books about law, fairness, and justice. She uses her legal experience to educate readers. Moreover, her books blend personal stories with legal insight. Here are her published titles:
• You Have the Right: A Constitutional Guide to Policing the Police (legal rights guide)
• Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness (memoir and justice analysis)
These books reflect her career as a CNN chief legal analyst, attorney, and author. They deepen public understanding of law and civil rights.
Laura Coates CNN Salary
Laura Coates, CNN’s chief legal analyst and TV host, earns a high-six-figure salary for her legal commentary and hosting roles. Her income ranges between $500,000 and $1 million annually. Moreover, she likely earns additional income from book royalties, speaking engagements, and her SiriusXM show.
Laura Coates Net Worth
Laura Coates has an estimated net worth of around $2–3 million in 2026. Her wealth comes from TV roles, book royalties, hosting, and speaking fees. Moreover, her long legal and media career helped build steady financial growth and public recognition.
