The Definitive Answer: How Old Is Laura Coates And 7 Shocking Facts About The CNN Anchor’s Career Rise

Laura Coates, the influential CNN Anchor, Senior Legal Analyst, and former federal prosecutor, is 46 years old as of December 2025. Born on July 11, 1979, the highly-regarded legal mind has built a formidable career that transitioned seamlessly from the courtroom to national television, making her a trusted and authoritative voice in American media. Her age is a frequent search query, highlighting the public's curiosity about the woman who brings clarity and sharp legal analysis to the nation’s most complex issues. This article provides a deep dive into the life of Laura Coates, confirming her exact age and exploring the pivotal moments and key biographical details that shaped her remarkable journey from a Justice Department trial attorney to a prominent cable news personality. We will also explore her personal life, including her husband and family, and the milestones that define her continued success in 2025.

Laura Coates: A Full Biography and Profile

The life and career of Laura Gayle Coates are marked by a fierce commitment to justice and a rapid ascent through the legal and media worlds. Her background as a prosecutor provides a unique lens for her commentary, setting her apart from many of her media peers.

• Full Name: Laura Gayle Coates
• Date of Birth: July 11, 1979 (Note: Some sources cite 1980, but 1979 is widely accepted by authoritative sources, making her 46 years old as of December 2025).
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 46 years old
• Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. (Raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota)
• Parents: Norman Coates and Martha Coates
• Husband: Dale Gordon (Married in 2010)
• Children: Two (A son and a daughter)
• Education: Princeton University (B.A. in Public Policy, 2001), University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., 2005)
• Career Highlights: Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Federal Prosecutor, Adjunct Professor at George Washington University Law School, CNN Anchor, CNN Senior Legal Analyst, SiriusXM Host, Author.
• Book: *Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor's Fight for Fairness* (2022)
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $2 million (as of 2025)

From Courtroom to Cable News: The Shocking Career Trajectory

Laura Coates’s transition from a high-stakes legal career to a national television anchor is one of the most compelling stories in modern media. Her journey was not a typical path, but one forged by a desire to use her expertise to inform a wider public audience.

The Formative Years in Law and Justice

Coates’s academic foundation at Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to legal advocacy. After graduating, she gained invaluable experience in private practice, but her true calling led her to public service. She served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, where she specialized in enforcing voting rights and prosecuting cases of police misconduct. This role provided her with a deep, practical understanding of the justice system's complexities and its often-harsh realities, which now defines her on-air commentary. Her experience as a Black prosecutor tackling issues of fairness and systemic bias became the subject of her critically acclaimed 2022 book, *Just Pursuit*.

The Unexpected Leap to Media Stardom

The move to television was a gradual, almost accidental one. Coates initially began providing legal commentary and analysis on various networks. Her ability to translate complex legal jargon into understandable, sharp, and insightful commentary quickly made her a standout. She became a CNN Senior Legal Analyst, offering critical perspective on major trials, constitutional law, and political scandals. This led to her eventually being named a CNN Anchor, cementing her status as a primary voice for legal and political news. She also hosts her own show on SiriusXM, further expanding her reach and topical authority.

7 Key Facts That Define Laura Coates's Success in 2025

Beyond the simple question of "How old is Laura Coates," a deeper look reveals a multi-faceted professional whose influence extends far beyond the news desk. These facts highlight her unique background and contributions.

1. She is a Cancer Sign: Born on July 11th, Laura Coates falls under the zodiac sign of Cancer. This sign is often associated with traits like loyalty, emotion, and protectiveness—characteristics that align well with her work as an advocate for civil rights and fairness.
2. The Age Discrepancy is Real: While her official age is 46 (born 1979), the confusion over her birth year (1979 vs. 1980) is a common point in public profiles. This small difference of one year highlights the challenge of pinning down exact details for public figures before they reach peak fame.
3. She is Married to Dale Gordon: Laura Coates has been married to her husband, Dale Gordon, since 2010. The couple shares two children, a son and a daughter, and maintains a private family life despite her public career.
4. A Former Stage Actress: In a surprising twist, Coates revealed that she "moonlit as a stage actress" while she was working as a Justice Department prosecutor. This background in performance likely contributes to her polished, articulate, and engaging on-camera presence.
5. She is an Adjunct Law Professor: Maintaining her ties to the legal world, Coates serves as an Adjunct Professor at the George Washington University Law School. This role allows her to educate the next generation of legal professionals while remaining active in her media career.
6. Her Book is a Bestseller: Her 2022 book, *Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor's Fight for Fairness*, offers a candid look at her professional experiences and the systemic issues within the American justice system, establishing her as a serious author in the non-fiction space.
7. Her Net Worth Reflects Her Dual Career: Her estimated net worth of $2 million (as of 2025) is a reflection of her successful dual career as a high-earning attorney and a prominent media personality, with her CNN salary being a significant component of her wealth.

In summary, Laura Coates's age of 46 years old in late 2025 is merely a number that represents a career built on rigorous legal expertise, a commitment to civil rights, and a unique ability to communicate complex ideas to a mass audience. Her journey from the halls of the Justice Department to the anchor desk of CNN is a testament to her intelligence and versatility.