Laura Coates is a name that’s become synonymous with legal expertise and media presence. Over the years, Laura Coates has built a strong reputation as a trusted legal analyst, especially through her prominent role on CNN, where she broke down complex cases for a wide audience. It wasn’t long before Laura Coates expanded her reach beyond television—by 2017, she had launched her own talk radio show, The Laura Coates Show, on SiriusXM’s Urban View, further solidifying Laura Coates’ influence in public discourse.
But before Laura Coates became a household name in media, she was deeply involved in the legal system. During both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, Laura Coates served as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice—an impressive feat that speaks volumes about her dedication and skill. She also held the important position of Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where Laura Coates handled high-stakes cases and honed her courtroom expertise.
Long before the spotlight found her, Laura Coates was laying the academic groundwork for her future success. In 2001, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from the prestigious Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, showing early signs of her commitment to justice and public service. Then, in 2005, Laura Coates completed her J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis, Minnesota—a key milestone in her journey.
On a personal note, Laura Coates married Dale Gordon, an IT engineer, and together they built a life centered around family. The couple welcomed two children, balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment. Through every phase of her life, whether as a lawyer, commentator, or mother, Laura Coates has remained a figure of integrity, intelligence, and resilience.
She’s made a significant impact through her powerful writing and media presence. She published books titled You Have the Right: A Constitution Guide to Policing the Police and Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness, both of which showcase her deep commitment to justice and equality. In 2019, she expanded her voice beyond the page by hosting two compelling documentaries on the Oxygen Network. The first, The Disappearance of the Millbrook Twins, delved into a mysterious and haunting case, while the second, Murder and Justice: The Case of Martha Moxley, explored a long-unsolved crime that captured national attention. Through each project, she continues to bring important stories to light, using her platform to advocate for fairness and accountability. Her work reflects not only her expertise but also her unwavering dedication to truth—something she consistently emphasizes in all she does.