From Law to News: Laura Jarrett’s Career Pivot

Laura Jarrett began her professional journey as a lawyer. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School. After law school, she worked as an associate at a law firm in Chicago.

After six years at that firm, she realized traditional law did not feel like a long‑term fit. “There was no path for me that I was going to enjoy long term,” she has said.

So she made the leap — with little experience in broadcast journalism — and joined CNN in 2016.

She spent roughly six years at CNN.

In January 2023, Jarrett moved to NBC News. There, she became its senior legal correspondent — covering major legal cases and Supreme Court matters.

Then, on September 9, 2023, she stepped into her current role: co‑anchor of Saturday TODAY, working alongside Peter Alexander.

Why She Made the Change

Jarrett has candidly talked about why she switched from law to journalism. She said she loved law but felt that the traditional path — like making partner — wasn’t right for her.

She wanted to tell stories. She wanted to break down complex legal matters for a broader audience. She realized that journalism would let her do just that — in a more dynamic, public‑facing way.

She also admitted that the timing felt important. She decided to transition before having children, because she worried that motherhood might make such a leap harder.

Family Life: Husband and Kids

Jarrett met her husband, Tony Balkissoon, when both were law students at Harvard in 2008.  They married in 2012.

They waited a few years before starting a family. As Jarrett put it, that time “allowed us to just have fun before kids.”

Their son, James Anthony Balkissoon, was born in July 2019.  Their daughter, June Tahay Balkissoon, arrived in July 2022.

Jarrett has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. She has said there is “no balance,” only doing her best each day, making time for her children, and showing them she loves them.

Today: Anchoring and Reporting

As co‑anchor of Saturday TODAY, Jarrett blends her legal background with her role as a television journalist. She continues to serve as NBC’s senior legal correspondent.

Her debut on the anchor desk came after her colleague Kristen Welker left to become moderator of Meet the Press.

She has said she feels honored and excited about the role.