Jan 27 (Reuters) - Former U.S. Vice President Kamala

Harris' husband Doug Emhoff is returning to private legal

practice after his wife's failed White House bid, joining

corporate law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Emhoff, who represents entertainment companies and others in

litigation, is joining Willkie as a partner and will split his

time between Los Angeles and New York, the firm said.

He was closely involved in fundraising for Harris'

Democratic campaign against Republican President Donald Trump,

headlining fundraisers with donors from big law firms and

capitalizing on ties to the entertainment industry in

California.

Emhoff left his former firm DLA Piper in 2020 after Harris

was elected as vice president alongside former President Joe

Biden.

His clients have included the makers of the movie "American

Made" and National Football League wide receiver Willie Gault,

as well as corporations Merck ( MRK ) and Walmart ( WMT ), court records show.

New York-founded Willkie has about 1,200 lawyers globally.

Emhoff will advise companies and boards facing business crises,

sensitive investigations and lawsuits, "including matters with

significant reputational concerns that are international in

scope," the firm said.