Doug Emhoff quits law firm amid White House role rumours

Doug Emhoff, the husband of vice president-elect Kamala Harris, has quit his law firm amid speculation he may be given a role in the White House.

Mr Emhoff, who will become America's first ever "second gentleman" from January, has been on leave from DLA Piper since August when Ms Harris was formally nominated as Joe Biden's running mate.

"Mr Emhoff is working with the Biden-Harris transition team to develop the portfolio he will focus on to support the work of the administration," a campaign spokesman said on Wednesday.

Although DLA Piper does have a lobbying arm, Mr Emhoff worked as a lawyer rather than a lobbyist.

His decision to leave the firm will help to avoid any allegations of a conflict of interest. He also has divested his holdings of shares in individual companies.

The nature of the role Mr Emhoff might take up is unclear. There has been speculation that he could take on the kind of charity work typical of vice presidential spouses or continue operating as a lawyer, but on pro bono cases.

If confirmed, Mr Emhoff would be the first "second spouse" to assume a role in the White House.

A number of first ladies have been politically active, notably Hillary Clinton who was appointed by her husband Bill to spearhead his administration's attempt to overhaul healthcare in the US.

Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared are unpaid White House advisers.

Mr Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer who has two children from his first marriage, was a common sight on the campaign trail.

He has also been outspoken in his own right on Twitter, being particularly critical of attorney general Bill Barr's handling of the Mueller investigation into alleged Russian election interference.

“As a lawyer, and fellow member of the D.C. Bar, I’m just seething right now at Barr’s performance this morning," he said. “It’s a flat out embarrassment and stain on our profession.”