Douglas Emhoff, the husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, has always been a man of many titles: prominent entertainment lawyer, devoted father, and the nation’s first-ever Second Gentleman. As of late 2025, the spotlight has shifted as he embarks on a new chapter, transitioning from his groundbreaking political role back into the professional and academic spheres.
The journey of Douglas Craig Emhoff is a unique blend of Hollywood legal drama and Washington D.C. political history. With his time as the Second Gentleman concluding, his current activities in 2025 are a powerful reminder that his career extends far beyond his marriage to one of the most powerful women in American politics. The following details reveal the man behind the title, his impressive new ventures, and the family that keeps him grounded.
Douglas Emhoff: Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Douglas Craig Emhoff
- Born: October 13, 1964
- Age (as of late 2025): 61
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Education: B.A. from California State University, Northridge; J.D. from USC Gould School of Law.
- Current Spouse: Kamala Harris (m. 2014)
- Former Spouse: Kerstin Emhoff (m. 1992; div. 2008)
- Children: Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff (from his first marriage)
- Professional Career: Entertainment and intellectual property lawyer; held leadership roles at firms including Venable and DLA Piper.
- Political Role: Second Gentleman of the United States (2021–2025)
- Current Roles (2025): Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; Distinguished Visiting Fellow/Professor at USC Gould School of Law; Trustee at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The $8 Million Return to Law and Academia in 2025
After four years dedicated to supporting his wife and pioneering the role of Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff has made a strategic and high-profile return to his professional roots in 2025. This move is significant, underscoring his desire to remain professionally active and independent.
His primary professional move is joining the prestigious white-shoe law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as a partner. This firm is internationally renowned, and Emhoff brings his deep knowledge of global markets, policy, and the law to the table. His work will reportedly split his time between the firm's Los Angeles and New York offices, leveraging his decades of experience as a prominent litigator, particularly in entertainment law and intellectual property law.
In addition to his legal practice, Emhoff has embraced a new academic challenge. He has returned to his alma mater, the USC Gould School of Law, where he is serving as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow and Professor. This role allows him to mentor the next generation of legal minds, sharing the practical insights gained from both his high-level legal career and his unique experience in the upper echelons of government.
This dual career path confirms his estimated net worth—which, combined with Kamala Harris's assets, is estimated to be around $8 million—is built on a solid foundation of professional success, not just political association.
Pioneering the Role of Second Gentleman and Key Initiatives
When Kamala Harris was sworn in, Douglas Emhoff became the first-ever male spouse of a U.S. Vice President, a title that came with no established blueprint. He embraced the role, redefining what a political spouse could be and focusing on initiatives that resonated with his personal values and legal background.
One of his most significant focus areas was combating the rise of antisemitism and promoting religious tolerance. He leveraged his platform to engage with communities across the nation and internationally, reminding Americans of the importance of fighting hate. His commitment to this cause continues into his post-political life, as evidenced by his appointment as a trustee at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2025.
Furthermore, Emhoff took on the crucial topic of male allyship and the need to address toxic masculinity. By speaking openly about the importance of men supporting women in leadership and advocating for gender equity, he provided a visible, high-profile example of a supportive partner. He often used his own experience to validate the struggles of others, creating a public link to the White House on sensitive social issues.
The Blended Family and the 'Faux-tuses'
The relationship between Douglas Emhoff and Kamala Harris is often highlighted for its modern, blended-family dynamic. Emhoff has two children from his first marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff: Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff.
Harris’s relationship with her stepchildren is famously warm, with Cole and Ella affectionately referring to her as "Momala." The media quickly dubbed the two young adults the "Faux-tuses" (a play on 'First Daughters'/'First Sons'), a nickname that stuck due to their frequent public appearances and support for their parents.
Kerstin Emhoff, Doug's ex-wife, has also been an integral part of this unique family structure. The former couple, who were married from 1992 to 2008, remain on excellent terms. This harmonious relationship—which includes Kerstin campaigning for Harris—provides a powerful, positive example of co-parenting and mutual respect, demonstrating that a modern family can thrive even under the intense scrutiny of national politics.
5 Key Douglas Emhoff Entities That Drive Topical Authority
To fully understand the scope of Douglas Emhoff's influence and career, it is essential to recognize the key entities and institutions that form his professional and personal world. These elements are frequently used as LSI keywords and are critical for establishing topical authority on his life:
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP: His major legal home post-Second Gentleman, marking his return to private practice.
- USC Gould School of Law: His alma mater and the location of his new academic position as a Distinguished Visiting Professor.
- Entertainment Law: His primary professional specialization throughout his decades-long legal career.
- Kerstin Emhoff: His ex-wife and co-parent to his children, a crucial part of the blended family narrative.
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: The institution where he now serves as a trustee, underscoring his post-political focus on combating antisemitism.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ms. Ana Abbott I
- Username : kamren.veum
- Email : okuneva.taya@zulauf.com
- Birthdate : 1974-07-25
- Address : 61447 Pollich River Suite 452 Paucekside, VA 06215-9713
- Phone : 628.381.6065
- Company : Vandervort, Fadel and Veum
- Job : Cutting Machine Operator
- Bio : Accusamus rerum doloremque ipsum odit suscipit animi non. Numquam est perspiciatis quae corporis quis soluta est. Doloribus sed quis ullam.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jordyn_real
- username : jordyn_real
- bio : Voluptas voluptatem est quod placeat similique quae. Animi quia minus error voluptatem doloremque perferendis. Corrupti laboriosam quidem officia non ut minus.
- followers : 666
- following : 1390
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/hillsj
- username : hillsj
- bio : Expedita qui omnis nesciunt et.
- followers : 3356
- following : 1665
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@hills1982
- username : hills1982
- bio : Quae possimus laudantium odit consequatur sunt voluptate.
- followers : 5364
- following : 2608