Laura Jarrett is a prominent American television journalist currently working for NBC News. Her career trajectory is marked by a significant shift from law to journalism, a transition fueled by her desire to tell compelling stories. This article explores Jarrett's career, her family life, and her rise in the world of broadcast journalism.
Early Life and Education
Laura Jarrett is the daughter of Valerie Jarrett, a former senior official in the Obama administration, and Dr. William Robert Jarrett. She married Canadian attorney Tony Balkissoon in June 2012. Jarrett's background includes a law degree from Harvard University, where she met her husband.
Career Transition
Jarrett began her career as a lawyer, working as a six-year law associate. However, she felt unfulfilled and realized that a long-term career in law was not her passion. "I was a six-year law associate at my law firm, and starting to think about whether I wanted to try and make partner,” she told TODAY.com. “And I realized there was no path for me that I was going to enjoy long term.” This realization prompted her to pursue her dream of becoming a legal analyst on TV.
Despite having no prior TV experience, Jarrett was determined to break into the industry. She started by approaching local news stations, but faced initial rejection. “They were like, ‘Get out of here. No thanks,’” Jarrett recalls. However, she persisted and eventually got her break with CNN.
Rise at CNN
CNN was the first network to give Jarrett a chance, initially putting her on air at 4 in the morning. Despite the early hours and small audience, Jarrett worked hard to prove herself. “They put me on at 4 in the morning,” Jarrett says. “Even though I knew no one was watching at that hour, I was so nervous. I’d be horrified if someone dug up the clip, but it would also make me smile because it would remind me how far I’ve come.” She credits her time at CNN with honing her skills and building her confidence as a legal analyst.
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Jarrett's career at CNN gained significant momentum after Donald Trump was elected President in 2016. She remembers “basically living” at the United States Department of Justice, covering the Trump administration's legal matters. Despite being the "new kid in town," Jarrett worked tirelessly to earn the trust of her sources, especially given her mother's high-profile role in the Obama administration. “My mom worked in the Obama White House and I was being asked to cover the Trump justice department,” Jarrett shares. “I had to work really hard to earn those people's trust."
Move to NBC News
After six years with CNN, Jarrett joined NBC News as a senior legal correspondent in January 2023. Seven months later, she was announced as the co-host of Saturday TODAY, replacing Kristen Welker, who became the moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press. Jarrett began her new role on September 9, alongside Peter Alexander.
Jarrett is known for her sharp legal analysis and her ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and accessible manner. On May 30, 2024, she notably broke the news of Donald Trump's guilty verdict on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, reading all 34 counts live on NBC News. "[7][8]" Jarrett on Today said that she and her news crew believed that the jury was going home for the day prior to the verdict coming out and did not expect a verdict that day.
Family Life
Laura Jarrett and her husband, Tony Balkissoon, met as second-year law students at Harvard University in 2008 and married in 2012. The couple has two children: a son, James, and a daughter, June.
Jarrett emphasizes the importance of her relationship with her husband, noting that they waited before having children to enjoy their time together. “Tony and I waited a while before we had children, which I think was super valuable because we just got to have fun. Kids are wonderful, but they can be extremely taxing on marriages,” Jarrett says. “We had a ball just the two of us for a long time and I think that really set us up for success.”
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Balancing her demanding career with motherhood is a challenge that Jarrett embraces. She notes that her husband's support has been invaluable. “Tony would say, ‘You’re so happy. You’re so excited about your work - and it makes you a better partner,'” Jarrett says.
Children
Laura Jarrett's children, James and June, are a significant part of her life.
James Anthony Balkissoon
James, born approximately four years before 2024, is described by his mother as a "ham and a half." “That boy takes over a room. He just has a presence,” Jarrett says. “He talks nonstop and has 1001 questions about everything.” He is also described as brainy, with interests including Sudoku puzzles and math problems. “We’ll be at the park on the swing, and he’ll ask me to give him math problems,” she continues. “It’s fun for him - he’s super brainy - but I’m worried people are going to be judging me, like, ‘Why is this mom putting her son through math drills?”" James loves art and creating things in class.
June Tahay Balkissoon
June, born on July 17, 2022, is named after Laura’s mother, Valerie June Jarrett, and Tony’s mother, Tahay. Jarrett describes June as the polar opposite of her brother, James. “If I could have drawn up James’s polar opposite, it would be June,” Jarrett says. “There could be chaos and utter destruction going on around her and she’d be quietly playing and laughing.” The toddler is "completely enthralled and entertained" by her big brother and loves food. “She will literally eat anything and be happy about it. If she gets cranky, it’s because you have food and you’re not sharing with her,” Jarrett says. “You can hand her a Sichuan green bean and she’s down.”
Balancing Work and Family
Jarrett's ability to balance her high-profile career with her family life is a testament to her dedication and organizational skills. On her first day as co-host of Saturday TODAY, she shared that she got about 2 hours of sleep the night before due to nerves and potty training. Despite the challenges, Jarrett makes time for her children, ensuring she is there to make them breakfast after her TV appearances.