Douglas Emhoff

Early Life and Education

Douglas Craig Emhoff was born on October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents, Michael and Barbara Emhoff. He has a brother named Andy. The family moved to New Jersey when Emhoff was a child, and later to California, where he attended Agoura High School.

Emhoff pursued his undergraduate studies at the California State University, Northridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media Studies in 1987. He then went on to study law at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1990.

A view of California State University, Northridge, where Emhoff pursued his undergraduate studies.

A view of California State University, Northridge, where Emhoff pursued his undergraduate studies.

Career

After graduating from law school, Emhoff began his legal career at Pillsbury Winthrop's litigation group. He later moved to Belin Rawlings & Badal, a boutique firm, where he specialized in intellectual property and technology litigation. In 2000, Emhoff became a partner at Venable LLP, a major law firm, where he served as managing director of the firm's West Coast offices.

Emhoff's legal career has been marked by high-profile cases, including the defense of an arms dealer in a federal fraud case and the representation of the husband of a reality TV star in a contract dispute. He has also represented large corporations in complex litigation and regulatory matters.

In 2017, Emhoff left Venable to join DLA Piper, a global law firm, where he focused on media, sports, and entertainment law. He took a leave of absence from the firm in August 2020 when his wife, Kamala Harris, was selected as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

Personal Life

Emhoff married Kerstin Emhoff (née Mackin) in 1992. The couple has two children, Cole and Ella. They divorced in 2008. In 2013, Emhoff met Kamala Harris, then Attorney General of California, on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. They were married the following year in Santa Barbara, California.

Emhoff is known for his active support of his wife's political career. He took a leave of absence from his law firm during Harris's 2020 vice-presidential campaign and has been a visible presence at her side during public events.

A view of Santa Barbara, California, where Emhoff and Harris were married.

A view of Santa Barbara, California, where Emhoff and Harris were married.

Role as Second Gentleman

When Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States in 2020, Emhoff became the first-ever Second Gentleman in American history. He has used his platform to advocate for gender equality and to highlight the importance of access to justice.

Emhoff has also focused on supporting small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has made several public appearances to promote the Biden administration's relief efforts and to encourage Americans to get vaccinated.

See Also

• Kamala Harris
• California State University, Northridge
• University of Southern California Gould School of Law