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 announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
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 began her legal career at a major union-side law firm in the Pacific Northwest, eventually becoming a partner. She joined IAM’s Legal Department in 2019 as Associate General Counsel. Throughout her career, she has represented unions and individual workers in litigation including court proceedings, arbitration, and class action wage-and-hour cases that have impacted labor standards in Washington state.
Hasan Solomon, IAM National Political and Legislative Director, commented on Ewan’s appointment: “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.”
During her time with IAM, Ewan has provided legal counsel across various departments within the union. Her responsibilities have included drafting legislation, testifying before government committees on bills sponsored by IAM, submitting legal briefs to protect members’ rights, and ensuring MNPL’s compliance 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 a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida State University.
