Doug Emhoff is an American attorney and the husband of Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States, who notably served as the country’s first-ever Second Gentleman from 2021 to 2025. A distinguished litigator with over 30 years of experience in entertainment and intellectual property law, Emhoff transitioned from a high-profile legal career to a groundbreaking role in public service following the 2020 election. During his tenure at the White House, he became a leading global voice in the fight against antisemitism, spearheaded the first National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, and advocated for gender equity and access to legal aid. As of March 2026, Emhoff has returned to private practice as a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher while also serving as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at his alma mater, the USC Gould School of Law. He remains a central figure in American public life, balancing his professional commitments with his role in a modern, blended family that includes his two children, Cole and Ella Emhoff.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Douglas Craig Emhoff was born on October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents Michael and Barbara Emhoff. His early years were spent in New Jersey before his family relocated to Southern California during his teens.
Education and Early Ambition
Emhoff attended Cedar Ridge High School in New Jersey before moving to California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, in 1987. He later attended the USC Gould School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1990, driven by a childhood desire to stand up against bullies through the rule of law.
Professional Beginnings
After passing the bar, Emhoff began his career at Pillsbury Winthrop, focusing on complex litigation. By 2000, he co-founded his own firm, Whitwell Jacoby Emhoff, which specialized in entertainment law and represented high-profile clients in the media and tech sectors.
A Powerhouse Legal Career
Before his time in Washington, Emhoff was recognized as one of the West Coast’s most effective entertainment litigators. His work spanned intellectual property disputes, media representation, and corporate crisis management.
High-Profile Cases
One of Emhoff’s most famous cases involved the Taco Bell “Chihuahua” mascot, where he successfully represented the advertising agency TBWA. He also managed significant intellectual property portfolios for animation studios and professional athletes, building a reputation for meticulous strategy.
Leadership at Global Firms
In 2006, his firm was acquired by Venable LLP, where he became the managing director of West Coast offices. He later joined DLA Piper in 2017 as a partner, representing global giants like Walmart and Merck before taking a leave of absence to support his wife’s 2020 vice-presidential campaign.
The First Second Gentleman
On January 20, 2021, Doug Emhoff made history as the first man to hold the title of Second Gentleman of the United States. He used this platform to address issues previously overlooked in the role of a vice-presidential spouse.
Fighting Antisemitism
As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. President or Vice President, Emhoff made the fight against antisemitism his signature issue. He traveled to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Berlin, helped launch the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, and worked to destigmatize conversations about religious hatred in schools and workplaces.
Gender Equity and Legal Aid
Emhoff frequently convened roundtables with legal aid providers to simplify government processes for vulnerable citizens. He also became a “champion for champions,” traveling to over 40 states to support women in leadership and advocate for reproductive rights and equal pay.
The Modern Blended Family
The Emhoff-Harris family is often cited as a model for the modern American “blended” family, characterized by mutual respect and a lack of conventional “step-parent” labels.
“Momala” and the Children
Emhoff has two adult children from his first marriage: Cole, a film production professional, and Ella, a fashion designer and model. The children famously refer to Kamala Harris as “Momala,” a name they collectively chose to avoid the term “stepmom,” which they felt didn’t fit their close-knit bond.
Friendship with Kerstin Emhoff
Doug maintains a remarkably close relationship with his ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff, a successful film producer. Kerstin was a frequent presence during the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, and Kamala Harris has often described her as a “dear friend,” showcasing a functional, supportive dynamic that prioritizes the children’s well-being.
Doug Emhoff’s Current Status in 2026
Following the end of his wife’s vice presidency in early 2025, Emhoff has seamlessly transitioned back into the professional and academic spheres in California and New York.
Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
In 2025, Emhoff joined the international firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher as a partner. He currently splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, advising corporations on reputation crises, litigation, and complex corporate investigations.
Professor at USC Gould
Returning to his roots, Emhoff was appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at the USC Gould School of Law starting in July 2025. He teaches courses on entertainment law and mentors the next generation of attorneys on the importance of the rule of law and public service.
Practical Information and Public Engagement
For those looking to follow Doug Emhoff’s professional work or academic contributions in 2026, several channels remain active.
Official Resources
Willkie Farr & Gallagher Profile: Details his current legal focus and corporate advisory services.
USC Gould Faculty Page: Information on his teaching schedule and academic research interests.
Holocaust Memorial Museum: Emhoff serves as a trustee, continuing his advocacy work against hate speech.
Tips for Observers
Public Lectures: Emhoff occasionally delivers keynote addresses at legal forums and universities regarding the intersection of law and public policy.
Social Media: While less focused on official government business in 2026, he remains active on platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram, sharing updates on his family and advocacy.
FAQs
What is Doug Emhoff’s official title in 2026?
He is often referred to as the Former Second Gentleman or simply as Professor Doug Emhoff, given his current role at USC.
Where does Doug Emhoff work now?
He is a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the USC Gould School of Law.
How many children does Doug Emhoff have?
He has two children, Cole and Ella Emhoff, from his first marriage to Kerstin Emhoff.
Is Doug Emhoff Jewish?
Yes, he is the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. Vice President and has been a prominent leader in combating antisemitism.
How did Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris meet?
They were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in 2013 while Harris was serving as the Attorney General of California.
What is “Momala”?
“Momala” is the affectionate nickname Doug’s children, Cole and Ella, use for Kamala Harris instead of “stepmother.”
Did Doug Emhoff continue practicing law while his wife was Vice President?
No, he took a leave of absence and eventually resigned from DLA Piper to avoid conflicts of interest, though he did teach at Georgetown Law during that time.
What was Doug Emhoff’s focus as Second Gentleman?
His primary focus areas were combating antisemitism, promoting equal access to legal aid, and advocating for gender equity.
Where was Doug Emhoff born?
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in New Jersey before moving to California.
Is Doug Emhoff still involved in politics in 2026?
While he has returned to private practice, he remains an active surrogate and supporter for Democratic causes and continues his advocacy work through various trusteeships.
What is Doug Emhoff’s net worth?
While figures vary, public disclosures during his time in Washington estimated the couple’s net worth at approximately $5.8 million to $8 million, primarily from their successful legal and political careers.
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