Lauren Lake Biography And Wiki

Lauren Lake, born Lauren Laniece Howard on July 12, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, is an accomplished American family lawyer, television judge, and talk show host. A National Merit Scholar at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, she graduated in 1986 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan in 1990, followed by a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 1993. She began her legal career as a criminal defense attorney before shifting her focus to entertainment and family law.

Age And Birthday

Lauren Lake, born on July 12, 1969, is currently 55 years old.

Height And Weight

Lauren Lake is 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.74 meters) and weighs approximately 63 kilograms (136 pounds).

Education Background

Lauren Lake boasts an impressive educational background, having attended Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where she was recognized as a National Merit Scholar in 1986. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan in May 1990 and completed her Juris Doctor at Wayne State University Law School in May 1993. Additionally, she obtained a secondary teacher certification in 1990.

Nationality And Ethnicity

Lauren Lake is an American national, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is of African American ethnicity, with her family deeply rooted in the African American community.

Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works

Milestones
Lauren Lake led Paternity Court to win a Daytime Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program. While attending Mercy High School, she earned recognition as a National Merit Scholar in 1986. She gained admission to the State Bar of Michigan in 1995, followed by the New York State Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association in 2002.

Significant Contributions
Lauren has actively championed family law by resolving paternity and custody cases both on her show and in her legal practice. She has shared her legal expertise as a guest on talk shows like The Ricki Lake Show and The Greg Behrendt Show. Additionally, she has delivered numerous public speaking engagements and workshops, offering her knowledge on family law and related topics.

Notable Works
Lauren presided over Paternity Court, her most notable work, during its seven-season run. She also hosted HGTV’s Spice Up My Kitchen, where she showcased her talent in interior design and cooking. In 2009, she published a book titled Girl! Let Me Tell You…, reflecting on her personal insights and experiences.

Husband and Children

Lauren Lake is married to Carlos Woods, a former Hornets linebacker. The two tied the knot in 2007 after dating for less than a year. Together, they have a son, Carlos Woods Jr., born in 2010.

Carlos Jr. has already achieved a black belt in martial arts and has a passion for sports. He is also actively pursuing interests in modeling and acting.

Family, Siblings, Parents

Lauren Lake was born in Detroit, Michigan, to parents who highly valued education. Although their names are not widely known, they were committed to providing her with a solid educational foundation. They encouraged her passions for singing, dancing, and acting, as long as she continued to excel academically.

Career

Lauren Lake began her legal career specializing in criminal defense before transitioning to family law. She later expanded her practice to entertainment law. Admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1995, she subsequently gained admission to the New York and New Jersey State Bar Associations in 2002, solidifying her legal credentials.

Lauren gained widespread recognition as the presiding judge on Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court, which aired from 2013 to 2020. The show earned a Daytime Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program. Beyond her show, Lauren frequently appeared on talk shows like The Ricki Lake Show, The Greg Behrendt Show, and Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers, where she provided legal insights. She also showcased her interior design and culinary talents by hosting HGTV’s Spice Up My Kitchen.

A skilled public speaker and life coach, Lauren has delivered workshops and seminars focused on legal matters, empowerment, and personal development. She extended her influence as an author with the publication of her 2009 book, Girl! Let Me Tell You…, where she shared her experiences and advice.

Before pursuing a career in law and television, Lauren was a background singer for prominent artists such as Mary J. Blige, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, showcasing her versatility and passion for music.

Hobbies And Personal Challenges

Lauren enjoys interior design and even hosted a series on HGTV called “Spice Up My Kitchen.” She is also involved in real estate development, using her skills to transform spaces. Before becoming a TV personality, she worked as a background singer for artists like Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z. In 2009, Lauren wrote a book called “Girl! Let Me Tell You…” to share her experiences. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing her career with her personal life, especially as a mother, and how public scrutiny has affected her as a public figure.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Lauren Lake’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million. She has earned her wealth through her successful work as a family lawyer, television judge, interior designer, real estate developer, and author.

Major Achievements

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