Doug Emhoff is returning to private practice as gig law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher today welcomed the former (and first ever) Second Gentleman of the United Sates as a partner.
Emhoff’s practice will focus on advising corporations, boards of directors and individuals on their most consequential business challenges, sensitive investigations, and complex litigation, including matters with significant reputational concerns that are international in scope, and emerging legal issues across industries and sectors, the firm said. He will split his time between Los Angeles and New York.
“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,” said the firm’s Chairman Thomas Cerabino. “We’re thrilled to be adding Doug to the Willkie partnership during this period of transformational firm growth.”
Emhoff brings more than three decades as a litigator, trial lawyer and counsel to clients and global business leaders, as well as extensive experience representing the U.S. around the world. As a lawyer, he focused largely on entertainment and sports. In 2000 co-founded boutique law firm that he sold in 2006 but stepped away to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest as the political career of his wife, Kamala Harris, ramped up.
Kamala Harris lost the November presidential election to Donald Trump, who was inaugurated Jan. 20. She has not yet announced her next step. There’s been speculation however, including around a possible run for California governor in 2026. Last week, it was reported that the former VP had created an LLC called Pioneer49 in her home state to help finance her next move.
Emhoff also taught entertainment law at Georgetown, which he will continue.
“I am delighted to be joining Willkie, where I am looking forward to working alongside trusted and innovative legal counselors,” Emhoff said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this talented and collaborative team.”
Emhoff’s portfolio as the first Second Gentleman included representing the U.S. at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and numerous other diplomatic events, and leading the administration’s work combatting antisemitism. He also used his extensive legal background to advocate for equal access to legal aid and the removal of legal barriers in the justice system.
He was recently appointed to serve on the board of trustees to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
