Douglas Craig Emhoff served as the inaugural second gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025, marking a historical milestone as the first spouse of a vice president to hold the position. Born in Brooklyn in 1964, he established a long-standing professional reputation as a litigator specializing in media, entertainment, and intellectual property law before entering public office.
Early Development and Legal Training
Raised in New Jersey, Emhoff attended Cedar Ridge High School before his family relocated to Southern California. He finished his secondary education at Agoura High School and proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from California State University, Northridge, in 1987. He completed his formal legal training at the USC Gould School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1990.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Private Practice and Litigation
Admitted to the California State Bar in 1990, Emhoff began his career at Pillsbury Winthrop. By 2000, he co-founded a firm that was acquired by Venable LLP in 2006, where he oversaw West Coast operations. His client portfolio included major corporations such as Merck, Walmart, and Dolarian Capital. In 2017, he joined DLA Piper as a partner, a role he maintained until 2020. He returned to private practice in January 2025 as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Public Role and Diplomatic Service
As second gentleman, Emhoff prioritized equal access to legal representation and participated in administration initiatives regarding family support programs. His international duties included leading U.S. delegations to the 2020 Summer Paralympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics, as well as attending presidential inaugurations in South Korea and the Philippines. Additionally, he pursued academic interests, teaching entertainment law at Georgetown University and serving as a distinguished visiting professor at USC Gould School of Law.
Advocacy Against Antisemitism
Throughout his tenure, Emhoff served as a central figure in the Biden administration's efforts to combat antisemitism. In December 2022, he convened a roundtable discussion on the subject at the White House. During a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp in January 2023, he participated in memorial services to honor Holocaust survivors and victims, marking a significant component of his public platform.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Brooklyn
- Profession: Entertainment lawyer
- Role: Second Gentleman of the United States (2021-2025)
- Education: USC Gould School of Law, California State University, Northridge
- Religion: Judaism
- Spouse: Kamala Harris
Questions readers ask
What was Doug Emhoff's primary legal focus?
He specialized in media, entertainment, and intellectual property litigation.
Did Doug Emhoff teach law while in public office?
Yes, he taught a course titled Entertainment Law Disputes at the Georgetown University Law Center beginning in 2021.
Achievements
- Educated at California State University, USC Gould School of Law and Agoura High School
- Worked as entertainment lawyer
