The husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris embarks on a new chapter in his professional life following their departure from Washington.
According to Fox News, Doug Emhoff has secured a partnership position at the prestigious law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, marking his return to private practice just days after leaving his role as second gentleman.
The announcement came on Monday, exactly one week after President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. Emhoff's new role at the New York-based firm will leverage his extensive legal experience, spanning more than three decades as a litigator and trial lawyer.
The position will allow him to continue his professional legacy while maintaining his teaching commitments at Georgetown University Law Center.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which boasts approximately 1,200 lawyers worldwide, has emphasized Emhoff's unique combination of private sector expertise and public service experience. The firm's chairman, Thomas Cerabino, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, as stated:
Doug's leadership and his service as a trusted counselor to many global business leaders across a broad range of industries, as well as his extensive legal expertise and business acumen, make him a tremendous asset.
Emhoff's practice will focus on providing counsel to corporations, boards of directors, and individuals facing complex business challenges and sensitive investigations. His role will particularly emphasize matters with international scope and significant reputational concerns.
The former second gentleman will divide his time between Los Angeles and New York offices while continuing his role as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.
His academic involvement includes teaching entertainment law and maintaining a connection to the legal education sector and his previous entertainment industry expertise.
Before joining the Biden-Harris administration, Emhoff demonstrated significant legal prowess in representing high-profile clients. His portfolio included work for the creators of "American Made," NFL wide receiver Willie Gault, and major corporations such as Merck and Walmart. This experience positions him well for his new role at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Prior to his wife's vice presidency, Emhoff took a leave of absence from DLA Piper, eventually formally separating from the firm before Harris took office. His transition back to private practice comes with expanded experience, including his role in representing the United States at international events such as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the Women's World Cup in New Zealand.
In his capacity as a second gentleman, Emhoff established himself as a prominent figure in diplomatic circles and demonstrated leadership in various initiatives. His work included leading administration efforts to combat antisemitism and representing the United States at numerous diplomatic events worldwide.
Emhoff's return to legal practice represents a seamless transition from public service to private sector leadership. Speaking about his new role, Emhoff stated:
I am delighted to be joining Willkie, where I am looking forward to working alongside trusted and innovative legal counselors. I couldn't be more thrilled to join this talented and collaborative team.
The move also coincides with his recent appointment by former President Biden to serve on the board of trustees of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, ensuring his continued involvement in public service alongside his legal career.
