CNN Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates on Her Purpose and How Books Inspire

Scholastic Kid Reporter Xander Dorsey with CNN Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates.

For CNN’s Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates, effective communication and reading are the cornerstones of both her professional and personal lives. Reading a book is not just a hobby, but a compass for fulfilling her purpose.  

Choosing a Mission, Not Just a Job

As Chief Legal Analyst, no two days are the same. “That’s what makes it exciting. I’m always learning something new,” Coates said. Her mornings begin with poring over legal cases and court opinions before she steps on air to break down major stories. This commitment to preparation ensures she can deliver a clear message to her audience who relies on her for the news.

Her goal is to make complex topics accessible. “I use relatable words and break things down into bite-sized pieces so people can absorb and digest the information,” she said. That emphasis on plain language is not a gimmick. It is intentional communication designed to reach diverse audiences with credibility and care.

Communicating effectively with a large audience in this way is something Coates has learned over the years and is rooted in purpose. “I wanted to champion people who didn’t have a voice,” she said. “It’s been my calling to stand up for people who want to be heard, seen, and treated fairly.”

That mission drives her work today, reminding everyone that being a leader in your field is about who you advocate for as much as what you accomplish. 

Xander Dorsey visits the CNN studio in Washington, D.C.

Understanding the World Beyond the Headlines

Reading, she explained, has been the biggest force in shaping her worldview and helping her understand the world on a deeper level. “Reading opens the world to experiences I might not personally have. It helps me understand and empathize with others,” Coates said.

Coates said that titles like The Alchemist, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Born a Crime inspire her and her work. Additionally, she admires contemporary authors such as Jason Reynolds for his rhythm and resonance, which she shares with her own children.

For young readers, she recommends Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, a poetry collection she keeps in her office. “It tells stories, builds memory, and helps with reading aloud,” she said, underscoring that even small poems carry big potential.

Reading also doubles as self-care during tough news cycles. “I use reading as escapism,” Coates admitted, sharing she likes to read genres such as fantasy or mystery to recharge. She exemplifies that reading should not be viewed as just coursework or a pastime. It’s a practice that shapes how you think, who you become, and how you lead.

Her advice to students is refreshingly simple: stay curious. “You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do. Your curiosity will guide you to your passion.”