Laura Coates, a prominent American attorney, CNN chief legal analyst, and radio host, continues to captivate audiences with her legal expertise and media presence. As of 2025, Laura Coates’ age is 45, born on July 11, 1980, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her net worth is estimated at $2 million, derived from her multifaceted career in law, media, and authorship. Married to Dale Gordon since 2010, she balances a demanding career with family life, raising two children. Her salary at CNN, though undisclosed, is speculated to range from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, reflecting her role as a legal commentator and host of Laura Coates Live. This article explores her career, personal life, and unique contributions to civil rights and media.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Laura Coates’ Path
Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Laura Coates’ early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and social justice. Growing up in a middle-class African-American family, she was influenced by her parents, Norman and Martha Yarboro Coates, who instilled values of integrity and community service. Her sister, Tracey Coates, a successful lawyer, also inspired her legal ambitions. Laura attended St. Paul Academy, a prestigious school, before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs in 2001. She later graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2005, laying the foundation for her illustrious career.
Her educational journey wasn’t just academic; it was a crucible for her passion for civil rights. A personal anecdote from her time at Princeton reveals her early advocacy: during a campus debate on voting rights, she argued passionately for equitable access, a theme that would define her career. This experience underscores her lifelong commitment to justice, a perspective rarely highlighted in other biographies.
Legal Career: A Foundation in Justice
Laura Coates’ career began in private practice at Faegre & Benson in Minnesota, where she handled intellectual property and media law cases. She later joined Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in New York, sharpening her legal acumen. Her transition to the U.S. Department of Justice as a federal prosecutor marked a pivotal shift. Serving under the Bush and Obama administrations, she specialized in voting rights enforcement and prosecuted violent crimes, including drug trafficking and domestic abuse.
A unique insight from her DOJ tenure: Laura once shared in a 2023 podcast interview that a case involving voter suppression in a rural community profoundly impacted her. “Seeing firsthand how laws could either uplift or disenfranchise communities drove my mission,” she said. This experience fueled her advocacy, distinguishing her from peers who focused solely on courtroom victories.
Media Career: From CNN to SiriusXM
In 2016, Laura Coates joined CNN as a legal analyst, quickly becoming a trusted voice on complex legal issues. Promoted to chief legal analyst in 2023, she now anchors Laura Coates Live, a nightly show blending law, politics, and pop culture. Her ability to simplify legal jargon for a global audience has earned her an Emmy nomination and a loyal following. She also hosts The Laura Coates Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel, airing weekdays from 3–6 PM ET, where she interviews world leaders and legal experts.
Her media career isn’t just about analysis; it’s about impact. For instance, during the 2024 presidential election coverage, Laura’s commentary on voting rights legislation influenced public discourse, with viewership data showing a 15% spike in Laura Coates Live ratings during key debates. This demonstrates her ability to connect with audiences on critical issues.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Laura Coates’ net worth is estimated at $2 million, accumulated through her CNN role, book royalties, and speaking engagements. While her CNN salary remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest it ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, aligning with top-tier legal analysts. Her books, You Have the Right: A Constitutional Guide to Policing the Police (2016) and Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness (2022), contribute significantly to her income, with the latter debuting on the New York Times bestseller list.
Unlike some media personalities, Laura’s wealth reflects her expertise rather than sensationalism. Her speaking fees, often for events on civil rights and justice, add a substantial but underreported revenue stream, estimated at $10,000–$20,000 per event based on industry standards.
Personal Life: Married, Children, and Balance
Laura Coates is married to Dale Gordon, a private individual who avoids the spotlight. The couple wed in 2010 and has two children: a son, Adrian, born in 2013, and a daughter, Sydney, born in 2014. Laura’s commitment to family is evident in her social media, where she occasionally shares heartfelt moments, like her 2018 Instagram post about her daughter’s experience with bullying due to her skin color. “It broke my heart, but it also fueled my resolve to advocate for change,” she wrote.
Balancing a high-profile career with motherhood is challenging. Laura has spoken candidly about the struggle, noting in a 2024 interview, “I schedule my days meticulously to ensure I’m present for my kids.” This transparency adds a relatable dimension to her public persona, resonating with working parents.
Authorship and Advocacy: A Voice for Change
Laura’s books are more than publications; they’re tools for empowerment. You Have the Right educates readers on constitutional protections, while Just Pursuit offers a raw look at her experiences as a Black prosecutor. Her advocacy extends to academia, where she serves as an adjunct professor at George Washington University School of Law, mentoring future lawyers.
Her unique angle lies in her ability to bridge law and public understanding. A 2025 case study by the American Bar Association highlighted her work in demystifying legal processes, noting that her media presence has increased public engagement with civil rights issues by 20% among younger demographics.
Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
Laura engages actively on social media, with 135,000 Twitter followers (@thelauracoates), 79,000 Instagram followers (@thelauracoates), and 27,000 Facebook followers (@LauraCoatesCNN). Her posts blend professional insights with personal glimpses, fostering a connection with her audience. For more, visit her Wikipedia page or CNN profile.
Laura Coates Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Gayle Coates |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1980 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Princeton University (BA), University of Minnesota Law School (JD) |
| Profession | Attorney, Legal Analyst, Author, Radio Host, Professor |
| Career Start | Early 2000s |
| Notable Roles | CNN Chief Legal Analyst, Host of Laura Coates Live, The Laura Coates Show |
| Legal Career | Federal Prosecutor, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division |
| Books | You Have the Right (2016), Just Pursuit (2022) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dale Gordon (m. 2010) |
| Children | Son: Adrian (b. 2013), Daughter: Sydney (b. 2014) |
| Net Worth | $2 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $100,000–$150,000 (estimated, CNN) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Social Media | Twitter: @thelauracoates, Instagram: @thelauracoates, Facebook: @LauraCoatesCNN |
| Sorority | Alpha Kappa Alpha |
Conclusion: Laura Coates’ Lasting Impact
Laura Coates’ age, net worth, career, salary, and personal life in 2025 paint a picture of a multifaceted individual whose influence spans law, media, and advocacy. Her journey from a Minnesota native to a national figure exemplifies resilience and purpose. By blending legal expertise with relatable storytelling, she continues to shape public discourse on justice and equality. Follow her journey on Twitter or tune into Laura Coates Live for her latest insights.
