When you hear Langston Kerman crack a joke, you’re only getting half the story. Behind the laughs, there’s a tale of love, struggle, and redemption that could rival any Netflix drama. Growing up, Langston saw the highs and lows of love firsthand through his parents Keith Kerman and Dr. Wanda Evans-Brewer’s rocky relationship. It wasn’t just the background noise of his childhood; it played a starring role in shaping his own views on relationships and marriage.
His dad had already been down the aisle before, but it was her mom’s first shot at it. Unfortunately, the mix didn’t set up the perfect family portrait Langston might have hoped for. His dad was the typical workaholic, which sounds cool if you’re talking about someone saving the world, but not so much when it means missed dinners and cold shoulders. His mom? She was all about connection, something you can’t really get when your partner is more tuned into a laptop than a conversation.
In a candid chat with MELmagazine, Langston spilled the beans: “My dad was a work-focused person who wasn’t great at connecting at home, and my mother wasn’t cool with that. That’s part of why they split.” Watching his dad and mom navigate this disconnect left a bitter taste in his mouth about what love might hold for him. He made a mental note: Don’t end up like dad.
Fast forward to when Langston met his now wife Nikki Hasselbarth, she is a counsel at Venable LLP and holds degrees from Duke and Columbia University. It was on November 2, 2015, when a simple Instagram post with a love kiss emoji from Nikki sparked the beginning of what Langston hoped would be his chance to build the kind of relationship he wished his parents had.
By August 4, 2018, Langston was ready to pop the question and just a year later, the couple tied the knot on October 5, 2019.
Today, as we scroll through his Instagram, it’s clear he wears his heart on his sleeve, proudly showing off his life with his partner and their kids, Kensington born in 2019, and their new baby boy born in June 2024.
Langston’s approach to marriage is all about being present—emotionally and physically. It’s about creating those moments of connection that his mom craved but never quite got. Whether it’s posting about father duties or his date nights at the Emmys with Nikki, he’s not just there, he’s all in.
Besides, Kerman also maintains close relationships with his dad and mom who shares an incredibly close bond with their grandkids. A touching Instagram photo shows Keith holding his granddaughter.
Nikki Hasselbarth Has Built A Successful Career
Just like Langston learned from his parents’ rocky marriage, his wife Nikki has been carving out a significant path in the legal world. It’s not just about legal briefs and courtroom battles; it’s about building a life where her work impacts real people. Starting as a teacher, she is currently a significant part of a non-profit organization. Over the years, she has worked in different positions in different firms which are detailed below.
Early Legal Foundations:
- Research Fellow, Duke Center for Criminal Justice and Professional Responsibility (May 2012 – Aug 2012): She kickstarted her legal journey in Durham, North Carolina, sharpening her analytical skills and honing her ability to address complex legal issues.
- Summer Associate, Venable LLP (May 2013 – Jul 2013): This short stint in Baltimore was a precursor to her long-term association with Venable LLP.
Diverse Legal Experiences:
- Legal Intern, Legal Aid of North Carolina (Jan 2014 – Mar 2014)
- Associate, Venable LLP (Oct 2014 – Aug 2017 & Aug 2017 – Dec 2021): Here, her role expanded over the years from focusing on Tax and Wealth Planning in Baltimore to embracing broader responsibilities in Nonprofit Organizations and Tax and Wealth Planning in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Current Role:
- Counsel, Venable LLP (Dec 2021 – Present): Now based in Los Angeles, Nikki operates within the realms of Transactional Tax and Nonprofit Organizations. Her role involves guiding 501(c)(3) public charities and private foundations through intricate tax, regulatory, and governance challenges, contributing significantly to the formation and operational sustainability of these organizations.
Educational and Early Career Background:
- Prior to her legal ascent, Hasselbarth contributed to education as a Third/Fourth Grade Teacher in Houston, Texas (Aug 2009 – Jun 2011), and as a Corps Member with Teach for America (2009 – 2011), underscoring her dedication to societal development.
