You’ve probably seen him standing next to Kamala Harris at a thousand different events, looking like the ultimate supportive spouse. But honestly, most people have no idea what the guy actually does when the cameras aren't flashing. Does he just do "vice presidential spouse" stuff? Is he still a lawyer?
Basically, the answer is a bit of both, but mostly he's back in the high-stakes world of Big Law.
After a four-year hiatus where he served as the nation's first Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff has officially returned to his roots. As of early 2026, he’s a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. He isn't just a name on a masthead, either. He’s splitting his time between Los Angeles and New York, dealing with the kind of corporate headaches that would make most people want to take a permanent nap.
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Back to the Grind: What His New Job Actually Looks Like
When we talk about what does Douglas Emhoff do for a living, we’re talking about high-level litigation. He joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher in January 2025, right after his time in the White House wrapped up.
He’s not doing small-claims court.
His practice focuses on advising massive corporations and high-profile individuals who are usually in the middle of a PR or legal nightmare. Think reputation management and complex business disputes. It’s the kind of work where a single mistake can cost a company millions, and Emhoff is the guy they call to navigate those "consequential business challenges."
It’s a natural fit. Before he was "Second Gentleman," he spent thirty years as an entertainment lawyer. He knows how the "biz" works. He’s represented everything from Taco Bell (yes, the Chihuahua lawsuit) to major athletes and animation studios.
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The Professor Side Gig
Believe it or not, the law firm isn't his only gig.
In July 2025, Emhoff headed back to school. He’s a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at his alma mater, the USC Gould School of Law. This wasn't a totally new move for him. While his wife was Vice President, he taught a class on entertainment law disputes at Georgetown Law in D.C.
He seems to genuinely dig the teaching thing. He’s gone on record saying that mentoring the next generation of lawyers is one of the most rewarding parts of his career. At USC, he’s teaching students about the intersection of media, technology, and the law. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment for him, returning to the place where he got his J.D. back in 1990.
A Legacy of Firsts
We can't talk about his living without mentioning the job he just left.
From 2021 to early 2025, his "living" was defined by public service. As the first-ever Second Gentleman, he didn't have a blueprint. He had to invent the role. He took on some pretty heavy lifting, specifically:
- Fighting Antisemitism: As the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, he became the face of the administration’s strategy to counter religious hate.
- Legal Aid Advocacy: He used his background as a litigator to push for better access to legal services for people who can't afford a fancy attorney.
- Gender Equity: He spent a lot of time talking to men about supporting women in leadership.
He didn't get paid for being Second Gentleman, obviously. But that role redefined his public profile and likely made him one of the most sought-after partners in the legal world once his term ended.
The Reality of a High-Powered Couple
Some people think he just "retired" when his wife hit the big time.
Nope.
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Emhoff actually left his previous firm, DLA Piper, back in 2020 to avoid any weird conflicts of interest. That was a huge career sacrifice. He was making over a million dollars a year as a partner there. Stepping away for four years was a massive move, but it seems to have paid off.
Now, he’s back in private practice and teaching, proving that you can actually have a second act after being a "first" in history.
Actionable Takeaways from Emhoff’s Career Path
If you’re looking at Emhoff’s career for inspiration, there are a few real-world lessons you can actually use:
- Niche Expertise Wins: He didn't just become a "lawyer." He became an expert in entertainment disputes. Specializing in a high-demand niche (like media or tech) makes you indispensable, even after a multi-year career break.
- The Power of Teaching: Even if you’re at the top of your field, giving back through education or mentorship keeps your network fresh and your reputation solid.
- Adaptability is Key: He went from private attorney to public figure back to private attorney. Being able to pivot without losing your professional identity is a superpower in the 2026 job market.
So, if someone asks you what the former Second Gentleman is up to, you can tell them he’s likely in a board room in Manhattan or a classroom in L.A., probably wearing a suit and definitely still working 80-hour weeks.