Additional Coverage:
Brad Karp Steps Down as Paul Weiss Chairman Amid Epstein Email Revelations
NEW YORK – Brad Karp, the long-standing chairman of Paul Weiss, one of the nation’s most prominent corporate law firms, has abruptly resigned from his leadership post. The move comes in the wake of newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, which revealed email exchanges between Karp and the convicted sex offender. Despite his resignation as chairman, Karp will remain with the firm, focusing on client service.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Karp acknowledged the impact of the recent revelations: “Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life. Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm.”
Karp, who was appointed chairman nearly two decades ago, will transition to a full-time client service role. Paul Weiss has announced that Scott Barshay has assumed the role of chairman.
The Justice Department’s release of emails last week brought to light communications between Karp and Epstein, which continued as recently as 2019, the year of Epstein’s death.
One notable exchange from July 22, 2015, shows Karp expressing profuse gratitude to Epstein for hosting him at an event he described as “once in a lifetime.” Karp wrote, “Jeffrey, I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget.
It was truly ‘once in a lifetime’ in every way, though I hope to be invited again. You are an extraordinary host – and your home….!!!
Thanks, again. See you soon.
Brad.” Epstein’s reply indicated an open invitation: “you are always welcome. . there are many many nights of unique talents. you will be invited often.”
The Wall Street Journal first reported Karp’s resignation. A spokesperson for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP had previously stated to the paper, “Mr.
Karp never witnessed or participated in any misconduct. Mr.
Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a small number of social interactions by email, all of which he regrets.”
Another email from June 2016 reveals Karp reaching out to Epstein for assistance in securing his son a position on an upcoming Woody Allen film. Karp wrote, “would love to work, in any capacity, with Woody on his upcoming film project, if that’s a possibility.
He certainly doesn’t need to be paid and he’s a really good, talented kid. Thanks so much.
Brad.” Epstein responded, “i will ask, of course. can you tell me what role he would like to fill , i know little about the movies.”
Karp previously made headlines in March of last year when he met with then-President Donald Trump, ultimately reaching a deal for the president to rescind an executive order that had suspended security clearances for lawyers and staff at the firm.