Who is Douglas Emhoff and Why He Matters
Douglas Emhoff is an American lawyer who made history as the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025. Married to Vice President Kamala Harris, Emhoff broke barriers as the first male spouse of a U.S. vice president and the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president.
Key Facts About Douglas Emhoff:
During his tenure, Emhoff traveled to 42 states and 15 countries, leading efforts to combat antisemitism, promote gender equity, expand legal aid, and address mental health. He represented the U.S. at major international events like the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emhoff built a distinguished three-decade legal career in entertainment and intellectual property law before his groundbreaking public service role.
I’ve observed Douglas Emhoff in New York City’s legal and social circles, where he brings his characteristic warmth and intelligence to every engagement. My four decades covering society and prominent figures have given me unique insight into how leaders like Emhoff redefine traditional roles while maintaining authentic community connections.
From Brooklyn Roots to a Distinguished Legal Career
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 13, 1964, Douglas Emhoff‘s early life was shaped by a move to New Jersey and a strong dislike of bullies. He has said this childhood frustration was the driving force behind his decision to become a lawyer, a motivation that fueled a three-decade legal career.
After his family moved to California, Emhoff earned a B.A. from California State University, Northridge, and a J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1990. He quickly made his mark as an entertainment litigator, specializing in media and intellectual property law. His client list included major companies like Walmart, Merck, and the ad agency for Taco Bell’s famous chihuahua commercials.
Emhoff’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found his own firm in 2000. He later held leadership roles at prestigious firms, including managing director of Venable LLP’s West Coast offices and partner at DLA Piper. Throughout his career, he maintained strong ties to New York City, a key hub for the media and entertainment industries he served.
The Making of a Top Litigator
What made Douglas Emhoff a standout in entertainment law wasn’t just his resume—which included powerhouse firms like Pillsbury Winthrop, Venable LLP, and DLA Piper—but his approach. He became a trusted advisor for global businesses facing sensitive challenges, handling high-stakes disputes with tenacity and strategic brilliance.
Emhoff understood that in media and entertainment, especially in a dynamic hub like New York City, reputation is everything. Protecting a client’s interests meant managing perceptions and communicating effectively, not just winning in court. His reputation was built over three decades of successful outcomes, grounded in the belief that justice means fighting for what’s right.
For those navigating public image and professional success in a demanding city like New York, Emhoff’s career offers clear lessons. Strategic communication and reputation management are necessities. If you need to build or protect your reputation, branding and reputation management services offered by R. Couri Hay Columns in New York City can provide the strategic thinking that defined Emhoff’s legal career.
Making History: The First Second Gentleman
On January 20, 2021, Douglas Emhoff made history, becoming the first Second Gentleman of the United States alongside his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris. As the first man and first Jewish person in this role, he had no predecessor to guide him.
Emhoff acceptd the role with authenticity and humor, proudly accepting the title “wife guy” for his enthusiastic support of his wife. His modern approach involved stepping forward with purpose. He traveled to 42 states and fifteen countries, not just to speak, but to listen to community leaders, legal aid providers, healthcare workers, and small business owners. In New York City, his genuine engagement with diverse communities stood out. He didn’t just show up for photo ops; he connected with people, bringing the same warmth that defined his legal career.
Key Initiatives of Douglas Emhoff as Second Gentleman
Douglas Emhoff used his role to champion key issues.
Gender equity was a visible cause. He championed equal pay, protected reproductive rights, and met with global leaders on the issue. His advocacy for women and girls resonated powerfully in places like New York City, where the fight for equality is ongoing.
His legal background fueled his work on expanding access to justice. He chaired the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to help those who couldn’t afford legal help, an issue especially critical in New York City.
He also promoted mental health awareness, partnering with the Surgeon General to destigmatize mental health issues and combat loneliness. During the pandemic, he was a key voice for COVID-19 vaccine advocacy, meeting people in their communities to encourage vaccination.
Internationally, he led U.S. delegations to events like the Paralympic Games, the Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing America’s commitment to global partnership.
A Leading Voice Against Antisemitism
As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president, Douglas Emhoff’s fight against antisemitism was a defining part of his tenure. He openly celebrated his heritage, affixing Mezuzahs at the Vice President’s Residence and hosting Hanukkah celebrations.
As antisemitism surged, Emhoff became a leading voice against it. He convened Jewish leaders at the White House, which led to the Biden-Harris Administration’s first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. His commitment took him to Auschwitz on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and to Poland and Germany to speak out against hate. He also served on the board of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
In New York City, home to a large and vibrant Jewish community, his efforts to combat hatred resonated deeply. He met with Jewish college students to address antisemitism on campus, making it clear that fighting hate is a human issue, not a political one. As a longtime observer of New York’s diverse communities, I saw how Douglas Emhoff used his platform for principle.
The Personal Side of Douglas Emhoff
Beyond the public service, Douglas Emhoff’s personal life is a modern love story. It began with a blind date in 2013 with then-Attorney General Kamala Harris. The connection was instant, and they were engaged by March 2014. They married that August in a small ceremony officiated by Kamala’s sister, Maya.
What makes their family special is how they’ve acceptd blending. Douglas Emhoff has two children from his first marriage, Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff. The children affectionately call their stepmother “Momala,” a term that captures their warm relationship. Emhoff has also been candid about his past, including acknowledging an affair during his first marriage, a transparency that has made him relatable to many.
The Family Life of Douglas Emhoff
The Emhoff-Harris household is a model of a modern blended family. Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff are active, supportive participants in their parents’ public lives, often seen on the campaign trail and at official events.
What truly sets the family apart is Douglas Emhoff’s close friendship with his ex-wife, Kerstin Mackin. She even campaigned for Kamala Harris, a testament to the mutual respect that defines their relationship. This dynamic resonates in places like New York City, where blended families are common. The Emhoff-Harris family shows that with respect and humor, modern families can thrive.
Life After Washington: Return to Law and New York
After his tenure as Second Gentleman ended on January 20, 2025, Douglas Emhoff returned to his distinguished legal career in New York City. He rejoined Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as a partner, bringing a unique perspective that combines three decades of legal expertise with four years of experience at the highest levels of government.
His work focuses on advising global businesses on complex litigation and sensitive investigations. In New York City’s business environment, his understanding of both the courtroom and the court of public opinion is invaluable. Emhoff also continues to shape the next generation of lawyers as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at USC Gould School of Law and an adjunct professor at Georgetown Law.
His future plans involve solving problems for clients while remaining civically engaged, using the insights gained as Second Gentleman. For organizations in New York City facing high-stakes challenges, strategic counsel is critical. To learn more about navigating these situations, explore our crisis management PR and strategic communications services in NYC.
As a longtime observer of New York’s legal and social landscape, I see Emhoff’s return as a homecoming. This Brooklyn-born attorney brings a wealth of experience back to the city, and his next chapter promises to be as impactful as his last.
Frequently Asked Questions about Douglas Emhoff
What was Douglas Emhoff’s job before becoming Second Gentleman?
Before becoming Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff was a highly accomplished litigator for over 30 years, specializing in media, entertainment, and intellectual property law. He was a partner at major law firms like DLA Piper and Venable LLP, where he was managing director of its West Coast offices. He also co-founded his own firm in 2000. His clients included major corporations like Walmart, Merck, and Taco Bell’s advertising agency. His work often brought him to New York City, a hub for his legal specialities.
How did Douglas Emhoff and Kamala Harris meet?
Douglas Emhoff and Kamala Harris met on a blind date in 2013, set up by a mutual friend. Harris was California’s Attorney General at the time. They had an instant connection and were engaged by March 2014. They married on August 22, 2014, in a small ceremony at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, officiated by Harris’s sister, Maya.
What are Douglas Emhoff’s children’s names?
Douglas Emhoff has two children from his first marriage to Kerstin Mackin: a son, Cole Emhoff, and a daughter, Ella Emhoff. The children are close with their stepmother, Vice President Harris, whom they affectionately call “Momala.” The family is known for its modern, supportive dynamic, which includes a close friendship between Emhoff and his ex-wife, Kerstin, who even campaigned for Harris. This resonates with many families in New York City and beyond.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the First Second Gentleman
Douglas Emhoff’s journey from a Brooklyn-born lawyer to the nation’s first Second Gentleman is a story of redefining possibilities. He showed that traditional roles can evolve and that a supportive spouse can also be a powerful advocate.
During his tenure, he championed critical issues: gender equity, access to justice, mental health awareness, and the fight against antisemitism. As the first Jewish spouse of a vice president, he was instrumental in creating the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. His genuine warmth and willingness to listen resonated across the 42 states and 15 countries he visited.
His return to private practice in New York City at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP begins a new chapter, where he brings his unique government insights back to the legal world. He also continues to teach, shaping the next generation of lawyers. Emhoff set a new precedent for public service, demonstrating that one can be a devoted partner and a powerful voice for change. His legacy of honoring tradition while driving innovation resonates deeply in New York City.
At R. Couri Hay Columns, we watch leaders like Douglas Emhoff who masterfully blend public service, high-profile careers, and authentic human connection. His story highlights the power of pairing strategic vision with genuine engagement. For those looking to shape their public narrative with similar insight, we invite you to learn more about our strategic planning and public relations services in New York City. The first Second Gentleman has left office, but his trailblazing influence endures.