Doug Emhoff, the husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, is joining the University of Southern California faculty to teach law students, the university plan announced later Monday.
Emhoff received his law degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1990 and will begin work at the USC Gould School of Law on July 1.
“As the second gentleman spends time with these students and young people across the country, I'm one of the best parts of my time – so I look forward to continuing to share my experience with the next generation and hearing them in the USC's vibrant academic community,” Emhoff said in a statement.
The news comes as Harris runs for California governor next year, a decision expected to end until the summer. She made a surprise virtual appearance at the Free & Just summit on Monday, which focused on highlighting the stories of people affected by reducing abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
Emerf said it is especially critical in American history to guide law students.
“In this difficult time in the legal world, I believe that the same principles that have pushed me into the legal profession were instilled in the next generation of lawyers: to speak out on behalf of the vulnerable, to uphold the rule of law, to defend the fundamental rights of every citizen, and to always fight for justice or preference, to defend the fundamental rights of every citizen, to defend the fundamental rights of every citizen without fear,” Emhoff said.
Emhoff, who lives in Brentwood with Harris, will continue to serve as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher's global law firm, which struck a deal with President Trump's administration in April to agree to abide by the president's policies. The company agreed to provide at least $100 million in unpaid legal work during Trump’s time at the White House and beyond, which the president said at the time would be committed to helping veterans, Venus families, law enforcement officers and first responders.
After the agreement, Emhoff continued to work with the company, which attracted the attention of a progressive circle. He said Monday that he continued to disagree with his company's decision with the White House, but he remained at the company due to confidence in the principles of colleagues, which he said was proven by Pro Bono Work's work by the company's lawyers across the country were attacked by ice and border patrol personnel during federal immigration.
“I am confident in the values of the company, the amazing people and the meaningful work we do for our clients and the communities we serve, and that hasn’t changed since the reconciliation, which is why I stayed at the company,” Emhoff said.
A few days after the company concluded the deal, Emerf said he disagreed with the decision.
“At this critical moment, I urge my colleagues in the legal community to stay alert, dedicated and fearless in order to challenge actions that may erode our fundamental rights,” Amov said at a grand dinner held at Bet Tzedek, a legal aid organization in Los Angeles on April 3. “Because we know that a just work is no easy task, but it is always necessary.”
