In 2015, Laura Coates made a bold move that many would hesitate to take—leaving behind a stable career as a Justice Department prosecutor to pursue a future in journalism. With no media experience or industry connections, and as a new mother, Coates knew the risks. However, she also knew that she would regret it if she never tried. Today, she stands as CNN’s Chief Legal Analyst, a Sirius XM host, and a trusted voice in legal journalism. Her journey to success, as told to The Skimm, was not without its challenges and sacrifices.
Switching from government work to the unpredictable world of media came with significant financial and emotional considerations. Coates had to grapple with the reality of leaving behind a federal salary and ensuring her family’s financial stability.
“I had to balance the idea of what it would be like to sacrifice for my ambition, not just for me, but for my whole household,” Coates shared. “We made a budget, figured out what we could cut back on, and had difficult conversations about daycare and financial reliance.”
As an independent woman, Coates also faced the internal battle of adjusting to a financial dynamic where she was no longer the primary earner. “I did not want to feel like I was being relegated to household tasks just because I wasn’t bringing in a paycheck in the same way,” she explained. Open and honest conversations with her husband were crucial in navigating these concerns.
Coates credits her confidence and resilience to her upbringing. Her parents instilled in her and her siblings a strong sense of self-assurance by involving them in family decision-making, calling it the “Coates Corporation.”
“They encouraged us to lean into our strengths and never dim our light,” Coates recalled. This environment of encouragement and debate helped shape her into the determined and outspoken figure she is today.
Despite her success, Coates has learned that professional ambition must be balanced with self-care.
“I made a choice to live life knowing nothing is guaranteed,” she said. “We are always one decision away from a complete life change—so why not make those decisions ones that improve our lives?”
She also acknowledged the ever-present challenge of “mom guilt.” Coates believes that prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining her sense of identity beyond being a mother and a wife.
“I needed things that made me feel like a whole person,” she explained. “Massages, facials, baths—those are all great, but self-care is about prioritizing the things that make me feel like ‘Laura,’ not just ‘Mom’ or ‘Wife.’”
Laura Coates’ journey from the courtroom to the newsroom is a testament to the power of ambition, self-belief, and the courage to take risks. Through sacrifice, difficult conversations, and prioritizing self-care, she has carved out a space where she can thrive—both professionally and personally.
