5 Surprising New Roles Douglas Emhoff Has Taken On After His Time As Second Gentleman
Douglas Emhoff, the pioneering First Second Gentleman of the United States, has transitioned back to private life with remarkable speed and focus in 2025, immediately pivoting to new, high-profile roles in both the legal and academic worlds. After four years of supporting his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, and spearheading initiatives like the fight against antisemitism and promoting legal aid, Emhoff’s return to his professional roots has been one of the most anticipated post-administration moves of this current date, December 12, 2025. His current activities demonstrate a clear commitment to leveraging his experience in public service while re-engaging with his decades-long career as a top entertainment and media lawyer.
The transition marks a significant chapter for the attorney, who put his successful law career on hold to serve in the White House. From a partner at a global law firm to a trailblazing political spouse, and now back to a prominent legal and teaching role, Emhoff’s career trajectory is anything but ordinary. This article details his full biography and explores the five most surprising and significant new positions he has taken on, showcasing his continued influence and dedication to public interest causes.
Douglas Emhoff: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile
Douglas Craig Emhoff is an American lawyer and law professor who made history as the first Second Gentleman of the United States. His life has been defined by a successful legal career, a commitment to his family, and a groundbreaking role in American political history.
- Full Name: Douglas Craig Emhoff
- Date of Birth: October 13, 1964
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Parents: Michael and Barbara Emhoff
- Siblings: Jamie Emhoff and Andy Emhoff
- First Wife (Ex-Wife): Kerstin Emhoff (née Mackin)
- Children: Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff (from his first marriage)
- Spouse: Kamala Harris (married 2014)
- Education:
- California State University, Northridge (B.A.)
- USC Gould School of Law (J.D., 1990)
- Pre-White House Career: Entertainment and Media Lawyer. Partner at major firms including Venable and DLA Piper.
- Political Role: Second Gentleman of the United States (2021–2025).
- Key Initiative as SG: Leading the administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism and religious intolerance.
- Current Status (2025): Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Distinguished Visiting Professor at USC Gould.
The Second Gentleman’s Pivotal Return to the Legal World
Emhoff’s decision to return to the private sector was not a retreat but a strategic move back to the career he excelled at for decades. His post-White House roles are a blend of his professional expertise and his newfound public platform, allowing him to continue his work on important issues while practicing law.
1. Resuming His Career as a Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
One of the most significant pieces of news regarding Douglas Emhoff’s professional life in 2025 is his return to private practice as a partner at the prestigious law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. This move confirms his intention to fully resume his career as a highly regarded trial lawyer and marks a major addition for the firm. Emhoff had previously worked at DLA Piper, but his new position at Willkie Farr & Gallagher solidifies his standing as a top-tier legal professional.
His work at the firm is expected to focus on his long-standing expertise in media, entertainment, and intellectual property law. The experience gained from his time in Washington, D.C., and his deep understanding of high-stakes public relations and complex legal landscapes will undoubtedly be an asset to the firm’s clients. This role allows him to directly apply his legal acumen while maintaining a presence in the national conversation.
2. Distinguished Visiting Professor at USC Gould School of Law
In a move that brings him back to his alma mater, Douglas Emhoff has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law. This academic role is particularly meaningful as he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from USC in 1990.
His teaching and mentorship will focus on the intersection of law, media, and politics, offering students a unique perspective from someone who has navigated the highest levels of both the legal and political spheres. The appointment is a clear indication of his commitment to education and shaping the next generation of legal and public service leaders. His courses are anticipated to be highly popular, drawing on his real-world experience as a top entertainment lawyer and his unique perspective as the first Second Gentleman.
Emhoff’s Continuing Public Service and Advocacy
While his official title of Second Gentleman has concluded, Emhoff’s commitment to the causes he championed in the White House has not waned. His public profile continues to be used for significant advocacy work, particularly in areas of civil rights and social justice.
3. Ongoing Leadership in the Fight Against Antisemitism
During his tenure as Second Gentleman, Emhoff took on the crucial role of leading the administration’s efforts to combat the rising tide of antisemitism and religious intolerance across the nation. This was a profoundly personal mission for Emhoff, who is Jewish and often spoke about the importance of religious freedom and the need to stand up against hate. Even after leaving the White House, he remains a powerful voice and key figure in this fight.
His continued advocacy involves speaking engagements, working with non-profit organizations, and leveraging his network to mobilize resources against hate speech and discrimination. This work has established him as one of the most prominent national figures dedicated to this cause, providing a crucial bridge between community leaders, legal experts, and political entities.
4. Active Role in High-Profile Political Fundraising and Support
Even with his return to the legal and academic fields, Douglas Emhoff remains a vital political asset, especially for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout the 2024 campaign cycle, he was actively involved in fundraising and public appearances, showcasing his unwavering support and effectiveness as a campaigner.
His ability to connect with diverse audiences and his background outside of traditional politics make him a compelling surrogate. He successfully raised over $1 million at a single fundraiser in Texas, demonstrating his significant value to the Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC). His continued presence on the political stage ensures that his influence extends beyond his formal White House role.
5. Advocating for Legal Aid and Pro Bono Work
Emhoff has consistently highlighted the importance of legal aid and pro bono services, drawing on his experience as a lawyer. As Second Gentleman, he frequently visited legal aid organizations and discussed the access-to-justice gap in America. In his new role at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, it is widely anticipated that he will champion and expand the firm's pro bono initiatives, using his platform to encourage other high-powered attorneys to dedicate time and resources to those who cannot afford legal representation.
This focus on access to justice is a natural extension of his public service and aligns with the ethical responsibilities of the legal profession. By integrating his advocacy into his private practice, Emhoff ensures that his legacy of public interest work continues to grow, making a tangible difference in communities across the country.
Douglas Emhoff: A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Douglas Emhoff’s time as the first Second Gentleman was a period of both personal and professional transformation, setting a new precedent for the role of a political spouse. He successfully balanced the demands of public life with his dedication to his family, earning respect for his authenticity and his focus on meaningful issues.
His current endeavors—returning to the demanding world of a top-tier trial lawyer, teaching at a prestigious law school, and continuing his vital work against antisemitism—demonstrate a commitment to a multi-faceted life. Emhoff’s 2025 roles are not merely a return to normalcy but an evolution, using the authority and visibility gained from his historic political position to amplify his influence in law, academia, and social justice advocacy. The next chapter of his career promises to be as impactful and groundbreaking as the last.
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