Elite Attorney's Epstein Connections Force Abrupt Departure from Law Firm Leadership
In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through New York's legal and financial circles, Brad Karp has resigned from his position as chairman of the prestigious law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison. This sudden departure follows the release of Justice Department documents revealing Karp's extensive professional and social connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Revealed Documents Detail Complex Relationship
The largest release yet of Epstein-related records from the Justice Department shows that Karp frequently operated in close proximity to Epstein while the disgraced financier was receiving substantial payments from billionaire Leon Black. According to the documents, Epstein received approximately US$158 million from Black over several years for financial advice, with Karp occasionally involved in determining the payment amounts.
What makes this relationship particularly noteworthy is the personal dimension that developed alongside the professional connections. The released communications reveal that both men referred to their relationship as a "friendship," with messages showing them arranging to attend a Woody Allen film premiere together and meeting for dinner at Epstein's Manhattan residence.
Professional Collaboration on Billionaire's Affairs
The documents provide unprecedented insight into how Epstein and Karp worked collaboratively to reshape the management of Leon Black's substantial wealth. In one particularly revealing exchange from late 2017, Epstein expressed frustration with what he characterized as Black's "sloppy and amateurish" office operations, warning that they exposed the billionaire to significant tax liabilities and reputational risks.
"He MUST be more careful," Epstein wrote to Karp, urging the attorney to explain the dangers to Black and recommending that the billionaire needed to "re do his office with top line professionals." Karp's response was brief but telling: "I understand. Can't wait. :)"
Epstein's Promotion of Karp's Expertise
The released files further demonstrate how Epstein actively promoted Karp's legal expertise to influential contacts across multiple sectors. The financier recommended Karp to some of the world's most powerful figures, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who Epstein suggested would benefit from connecting with the prominent attorney.
On Wall Street, Karp required no such introductions, having established himself as a go-to attorney for major financial institutions navigating complex legal challenges. His abrupt withdrawal from a scheduled industry conference this week, where he was slated to speak on "leadership in uncertain times," underscores how quickly his position has become untenable.
Firm's Response and Legal Representation
In his resignation statement, Karp acknowledged that "recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm." Paul Weiss has confirmed that Karp will continue serving clients at the firm despite stepping down from his leadership role.
The law firm has been careful to clarify its position regarding Epstein, stating that it was retained by Leon Black specifically to negotiate fee disputes with the financier. "The firm was adverse to Epstein," Paul Weiss emphasized in its public statements. "And at no point did Paul Weiss or Brad Karp ever represent him."
Regarding the personal communications between Karp and Epstein, the firm has characterized them as "a small number of social interactions by email" that Karp now regrets. These interactions occurred before federal authorities charged Epstein in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors, though the documents show that Karp and Epstein maintained both professional discussions and personal camaraderie throughout their association.
Broader Implications and Context
Leon Black's hiring of Epstein for estate planning and tax advice has been public knowledge for several years, contributing significantly to Black's departure as chief executive of Apollo Global Management in early 2021. The newly released documents provide additional context about how Karp became involved in managing the relationship between Black and Epstein.
This development represents another chapter in the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, demonstrating how connections to the convicted sex offender continue to impact powerful figures in business, finance, and law years after his death. The abrupt nature of Karp's resignation from one of New York's most prestigious law firms underscores the persistent sensitivity surrounding any association with Epstein, regardless of how those connections are characterized or contextualized.
