Laura Coates & Husband, Dale Gordon, Have Two Kids (2024)

Laura Coates, CNN’s chief legal analyst, has more going on than just her high-profile career. She’s also a devoted mom to two kids and half of a power couple with her husband, Dale Gordon.

She raves about Gordon’s unwavering belief in her, sharing a playful example:

My husband, full stop, is an equal partner who really believes in me, to the point where you could say to him, ‘Honey, I think I found a way to live on the moon.’ There’d be an Amazon package later that day with astronaut food, because he’d be like, ‘You know what? She must’ve figured it out.’

This paints a picture of a relationship filled with trust and encouragement. But it’s not just about Dale supporting Laura. She emphasizes their teamwork, describing how they take turns supporting each other. When one needs help, the other steps up, creating a true give-and-take dynamic in their relationship.

Their partnership allows her to thrive in her demanding role at CNN while maintaining a fulfilling home life. While she often stands in the spotlight, it’s clear that her spouse’s steady presence plays a crucial role in their family’s success. Together, they’re showing that with the right partner, balancing career ambitions and family life is possible.

Dale Gordon Is A Senior Manager

While Laura shines in the legal world on CNN, her hubby is making waves in his own right. Dale is a Senior Manager at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he’s been a driving force in IT solutions since 2011.

Starting as an enterprise server network engineer, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder. His talent and dedication led to his current role as manager of enterprise infrastructure, a position he’s held since 2016.

His impressive resume includes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Hampton University and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. This blend of technical know-how and business acumen has shaped him into a leader who can bridge the gap between IT and overall business goals.

With over 15 years of experience under his belt, Dale has become an expert at developing and implementing IT solutions that boost business performance. His work focuses on creating value-driven programs that align with company objectives, showcasing his ability to see the big picture while managing complex technical details.

Dale’s career success parallels his supportive role at home, proving that both halves of this power couple are accomplished in their own fields. Together, Laura and Dale are showing that it’s possible to nurture thriving careers while maintaining a strong family unit.

The Pair Has Been Married Since 2010

Laura and Dale’s love story kicked off with a comedy of errors that could rival any rom-com plot. It was 2007, and she was having what she calls “a bad week” – an understatement if there ever was one.

Picture this: she arrives in the Big Apple for a new job, but her clothes are MIA thanks to delayed movers. To top it off, a beauty mishap leaves her with only one eyebrow. Talk about a rough start!

But the attorney, ever the fighter, refused to let these setbacks derail her. She cobbled together an outfit from T.J. Maxx, got creative with her hair to hide the missing brow, and braved the NYC subway system to make it to her first day at the law firm.

That’s where fate stepped in. Dale, filling in for a sick colleague, was tasked with Laura’s new hire orientation. She remembers,

I had first day jitters and in walks this incredibly handsome man. I never stopped smiling.

In a moment of vulnerability (and perhaps a bit of humor), she showed her future hubby her eyebrow situation. Far from being a deal-breaker, this honest moment set the tone for their relationship.

Despite the chaos of that first meeting – or perhaps because of it – sparks flew. The pair tied the knot in 2010, proving that sometimes, the worst days can lead to the best outcomes.

They Are Parents To Two Kids; Laura Almost Passed Away During Childbirth

The couple is proud parents to two children: 11-year-old Adrian and 9-year-old Sydney. But their journey to parenthood wasn’t without its challenges.

The CNN analyst revealed she nearly lost her life while giving birth to Adrian. “I almost died in childbirth when having my son,” she shared, recounting a harrowing experience with hemorrhaging. This brush with mortality deeply impacted her outlook on both parenting and her career.

Despite her demanding schedule as CNN’s chief legal analyst, she strives to be present for her kids. She gets creative when work keeps her away, saying,

If I’m not present at dinner, we’re FaceTiming the meal together. If I’m not able to tuck them in, I’m reading the bedtime story on my phone to my kids.

She doesn’t shy away from the realities of being a working mom. She’s honest with her children about the times she can’t be there, but also finds ways to include them in her world. Sometimes, that means an impromptu field trip to the CNN studio.

Her near-death experience during childbirth put things into sharp focus for her. She reflects,

Somebody once told me, when it comes to work and life, you’ll learn to juggle your whole life…. For me, between menopause and almost dying in childbirth, it became clear that they’re my glass, and they won’t drop.

This perspective shapes how Laura balances her roles as a mother and a professional. She makes time for school lunches, attends recitals, and even served as her daughter’s Girl Scout troop leader. At the same time, she’s not afraid to set boundaries to protect her well-being, knowing that taking care of herself is crucial to being there for her family.

Through it all, the couple works as a team, showing their kids that with love, support, and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to build a thriving family life alongside successful careers.

Her Spouse’s Worry During America’s Police Brutality

The CNN chief legal analyst experienced a sobering moment that highlighted the reality of being a Black family in America. Her partner installed a dashboard camera in their car, not as a tech gadget, but as a precautionary measure against potential police encounters.

When Laura initially questioned the need for the camera, Gordon’s emotional response caught her off guard. He told her, his eyes welling with tears,

Laura, it’s a gift for you because in the event I’m ever pulled over by the police, I’d like you to know what happened. And I’d like you to know that I would never have left.

This may sound like fiction for some but it’s a sad reality for many Black Americans, even for someone like Laura, who worked as a criminal prosecutor. She realized that Dale saw her as an exception, not the rule, when it came to prosecutors seeking justice.

The camera’s presence became a reality during a traffic stop with their children in the car. Gordon informed the officer about the recording device, prompting questions from their kids. Coates found it painful to watch her husband explain the necessity of such caution to their children.

Surprisingly, the Black officer who pulled them over responded with empathy, saying, “I understand. Believe me. I understand.” This interaction highlighted how deeply ingrained these concerns are, even among law enforcement officers themselves.