Former Vice President Kamala Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, has secured a position in the private sector shortly after departing Washington, D.C. Following his wife's Democratic presidential campaign, which was ultimately unsuccessful against President Donald Trump, Emhoff is set to join the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as a partner.
The announcement of Emhoff's new role was made by the New York-based firm just a week after Trump's inauguration as the 47th president. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, with a global team of approximately 1,200 lawyers, highlighted Emhoff's extensive legal background, spanning over three decades as a litigator, trial lawyer, and trusted advisor to clients and business leaders worldwide.
Emhoff's responsibilities at the firm will involve advising corporations, boards of directors, and individuals on critical business challenges, sensitive investigations, and complex litigation, particularly those with significant international reputational implications and emerging legal issues across various industries.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher Chairman Thomas Cerabino expressed enthusiasm about Emhoff's addition to the partnership, citing his leadership, legal expertise, and business acumen as valuable assets during a period of significant firm growth.
Emhoff, in response to his new role, expressed his excitement to collaborate with the firm's legal counselors and contribute to its innovative team. He will divide his time between Los Angeles and New York while continuing his adjunct professorship at Georgetown University Law Center, teaching a course on entertainment law.
Emhoff's involvement in fundraising for his wife's presidential campaign was noted, with his role in hosting fundraisers and leveraging connections in the entertainment industry highlighted. Prior to joining Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Emhoff took a leave of absence from DLA Piper, one of the country's largest law firms.
Emhoff's extensive legal career has seen him represent a diverse range of clients, including notable figures and corporations such as the creators of the movie 'American Made,' NFL player Willie Gault, Merck, and Walmart. His experience as second gentleman was also emphasized, with a focus on his diplomatic engagements representing the United States globally and leading efforts to combat antisemitism.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher underscored Emhoff's track record as a trusted advisor in business and technology hubs worldwide, managing high-profile disputes and solving complex issues across various sectors including entertainment, media, sports, and technology.
Emhoff's appointment to the board of trustees of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum by former President Joe Biden was highlighted as part of his continued commitment to public service and civic engagement.
