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.
Ewan will be responsible for supporting the political and legislative activities of both the IAM’s Legislative Department and its political action committee, MNPL.
“Laura Ewan is a relentless advocate for IAM members and a highly effective labor lawyer,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “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, where she became a partner before joining the IAM Legal Department in 2019 as Associate General Counsel. She has represented unions and individual workers in litigation involving court proceedings, arbitration, and class action wage-and-hour cases. Her work has focused on protecting labor standards, especially in Washington state.
“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,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “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 across various departments. Her responsibilities have included drafting legislation, testifying before government committees on bills sponsored by IAM, submitting legal briefs to safeguard 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 her master’s degree in Spanish Literature—where she taught as an adjunct professor—and her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Latin American/Caribbean Studies from Florida State University.
