Laura Ewan has been appointed as the Legislative Chief Counsel for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
In her new role, Ewan will support the political and legislative activities of both the IAM’s Legislative Department and its political action committee, MNPL. According to Bryant, “Laura Ewan is a relentless advocate for IAM members and a highly effective labor lawyer. Her leadership strengthens our Political and Legislative Department, which sets the standard for how unions win legislative fights, protect workers’ rights, and build lasting political power for working families.”
Ewan has a background in labor law and union advocacy. She began her legal career at what is described as the largest union-side law firm in the Pacific Northwest, where she became a partner before joining the IAM Legal Department in 2019 as Associate General Counsel.
Her professional experience includes representing both public- and private-sector unions as well as individual workers in litigation matters such as court proceedings, arbitration, and class action wage-and-hour cases. These efforts have contributed to improving labor standards for workers, particularly in Washington state.
Hasan Solomon, IAM National Political and Legislative Director, commented on Ewan’s qualifications: “Laura has a deep passion for the IAM and a clear understanding of how the law can be used to expand and defend our members’ power. Her legal insight, attention to detail, and experience working alongside our legislative and MNPL teams make her an invaluable asset to our political and legislative work.”
While at IAM, Ewan has provided legal counsel throughout the organization. Her responsibilities have included drafting legislation, testifying before government committees on bills sponsored by IAM, submitting legal briefs to protect members’ rights, and ensuring that MNPL complies with campaign finance laws.
Ewan holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School where she served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of College and University Law. She also earned both a master’s degree in Spanish Literature—where she taught as an adjunct professor—and bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida State University.
