Brad Karp resigned as chair of Paul, Weiss after Justice Department-released emails showed correspondence between him and Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, posted by the DOJ, include exchanges from 2015–2019 that reference meetings at Epstein’s New York townhouse and an apparent review of a plea-related filing in 2019. Paul Weiss says neither the firm nor Karp ever represented Epstein, and Karp will remain at the firm focusing on client work. Scott Barshay will succeed Karp as chair.
Paul Weiss Chair Brad Karp Resigns After DOJ Releases Emails Tying Him to Jeffrey Epstein
Brad Karp, then the chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss, in New York in 2023. Documents released Friday show dozens of email exchanges between Karp and Jeffrey Epstein or Karp and Epstein's assistant over multiple years. (Carly Zavala / The New York Times via Redux)
Brad Karp, the longtime chairman of law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, resigned as chair Wednesday after a Justice Department release of documents included email correspondence between Karp and Jeffrey Epstein.
In a firm statement, Karp said the recent reporting had become a distraction and placed an unwelcome focus on him that was not in the firm’s best interests; his resignation as chair was effective immediately.
What the Documents Show
The Justice Department posted dozens of emails dated from 2015 through 2019 that appear to show exchanges between Karp and Epstein or Epstein’s assistant. The messages cover a range of subjects, including planned meetings at Epstein’s New York townhouse and what appears to be assistance on a court filing related to sex-trafficking allegations. In a March 2019 email Karp wrote that "the draft motion is in great shape."
Other exchanges include personal praise for Epstein following a social evening in 2015—Karp wrote "you’re amazing" and described the night as "truly 'once in a lifetime' in every way"—and a 2016 request asking whether Epstein could help Karp’s son, described as an up-and-coming filmmaker, find work with Woody Allen.
The headquarters of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in New York. The firm has represented some of the most notable companies in corporate America. (Melissa Bender / AP)(Melissa Bender)
Firm Response and Context
Paul Weiss has said neither the firm nor Karp ever represented Epstein. The firm’s announcement also said Karp will remain at Paul Weiss and will continue to focus full-time on client service despite stepping down as chair.
Karp has led Paul Weiss since 2008 and has spent his entire 40-year legal career at the firm. Scott Barshay, a corporate partner, will replace him as chair.
Related Controversies
The email disclosures follow previous controversy surrounding a separate decision last year in which Karp signed an agreement tied to a White House initiative that would have directed Paul Weiss to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by President Donald Trump. That arrangement drew intense criticism in the corporate and legal communities; the executive order that gave rise to the deal was later rescinded.
Paul Weiss represents many major American companies, from Exxon Mobil to Meta Platforms, and has taken part in significant transactions, including the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger.
Firm Statement: "Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm," the firm quoted Karp as saying. The firm also confirmed that Mr. Karp will continue to provide client services at Paul Weiss.
The firm and Karp said they regret any appearance problems the exchanges have caused. The resignation narrows the spotlight on leadership at one of the nation’s most prominent law firms as questions about professional relationships with Epstein continue to attract public scrutiny.
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