Law Firm Chairman Resigns Amid Epstein Email Fallout
Brad Karp, the chairman of one of the nation's most prestigious law firms, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Garrison & Wharton, has resigned from his leadership role following the release of emails detailing his exchanges with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the latest high-profile departure in the widening fallout among individuals connected to Epstein, whose case continues to reverberate globally.
Firm Statement and Ongoing Role
A statement issued by Paul Weiss on Wednesday did not explicitly address Karp's ties to Epstein, noting that the firm never represented him. However, Karp, who has practiced at the firm for four decades and served as chairman since 2008, will remain with the organization. In his resignation, Karp stated that "recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests" of Paul Weiss, highlighting the reputational damage from the email disclosures.
Email Exchanges Revealed
The Department of Justice released a significant batch of documents last week as part of a new law aimed at uncovering government knowledge of Epstein's sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with influential figures. Among these documents were emails between Karp and Epstein spanning several years. In a July 22, 2015, email, Karp thanked Epstein for hosting an evening he described as "once in a lifetime" and unforgettable. Epstein responded warmly, inviting Karp to future events and offering to connect him with Larry Summers, a former treasury secretary and Harvard president whose own ties to Epstein have led to professional ostracism.
Further Interactions and Legal Assistance
The correspondence continued, with Karp seeking Epstein's help in 2016 to connect his son with filmmaker Woody Allen for a film career opportunity. In 2018, Karp arranged dinner plans with Epstein, including logistics for a video call. By February 2019, Karp emailed Epstein seeking advice for John Havens, former Citigroup president, who needed "immediate help" ahead of a Florida massage parlor investigation. Epstein also offered assistance in finding a lawyer for Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, in the same matter.
Legal Review and Plea Deal
In March 2019, Karp reviewed a draft court filing for Epstein's lawyers, arguing against reopening his plea deal in a federal sex abuse case in Florida. Karp praised the motion as "overwhelmingly persuasive" and highlighted arguments about victims' strategic timing. Epstein had previously pleaded guilty to state charges, serving 13 months in jail, paying settlements, and registering as a sex offender.
Broader Fallout and Political Context
The Epstein scandal has extended beyond the United States, with a top Slovakian official resigning after photos and emails revealed meetings with Epstein, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologizing for appointing an ambassador with Epstein ties. In the U.S., former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before a House committee investigating Epstein, amid Republican pressure.
Paul Weiss, founded in 1875, has a storied history in civil rights and corporate law. Under the Trump administration, the firm faced retribution, including an executive order in March 2025 threatening security clearances and federal contracts due to its attorney Mark Pomerantz's role in investigating Trump's finances. Karp initially considered suing but later cut a deal with Trump to protect the firm, a move criticized by over 140 firm alumni.
