Brad Karp was one of the most powerful lawyers in America, and his exit from the top job at Paul, Weiss landed like a thunderclap across the legal world. His resignation followed the public release of U.S. Department of Justice documents that showed years of email contact with Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.

However, the emails did not accuse the 66-year-old lawyer of crimes. But they raised serious questions about judgment, access, and influence. In elite legal circles, perception matters almost as much as facts. Once the messages became public, the pressure was immediate, and the firm moved quickly to steady itself.

The Emails Raised Eyebrows Across Wall Street

GTN / In 2019, Karp commented on a draft legal motion tied to Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal.

In one 2015 note, Karp “thanked” Epstein for hosting what he called an unforgettable evening and hinted that he wanted another invitation.

Other emails show Karp asking Epstein for help getting his son a role, even unpaid, on a Woody Allen film project. The tone was friendly and trusting, which made critics uneasy. Epstein also tried to help Karp gain entry to Augusta National Golf Club through Steve Bannon. This is a move that highlighted how power often flows through private favors.

In 2019, Karp commented on a draft legal motion tied to Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal. He praised the document as persuasive. This is a statement that now looks deeply uncomfortable given Epstein’s history.

Karp also acted as a go-between in fee disputes involving Epstein and Leon Black, then the head of Apollo Global Management, which was a major client of Paul Weiss. Even if the firm never formally represented Epstein, the appearance of informal legal guidance was enough to spark outrage inside and outside the profession.

Why Paul Weiss Could Not Wait It Out

Brad Karp resigned as chairman on February 5, 2026, after leading the firm for nearly two decades. In his statement, he said the attention on his emails had become a distraction and was no longer in the firm’s best interest. He did not mention Epstein by name, which many saw as a careful legal choice.

However, Paul Weiss stressed that it never represented Epstein and said Karp never witnessed or took part in misconduct. The firm described his interactions as limited and regrettable. Still, the leadership change sent a clear message that reputation risk now moves faster than internal reviews.

The Firm Is Already Under Political Fire

E Online / The Epstein documents were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which opened the door to scrutiny of many powerful figures.

Law firms, banks, and politicians are all facing renewed attention as emails and contacts come to light.

Karp also carried recent political baggage. In 2025, he struck a deal with the Trump administration that traded forty million dollars in free legal work for the withdrawal of an executive order targeting Paul Weiss. Critics already questioned that move, and the Epstein emails added fuel to a fire that was still burning.

Scott Barshay has taken over as chairman, and Karp will stay on as a lawyer focused on client work. That transition may calm clients in the short term. But the broader message is clear: Elite firms can no longer assume private emails will stay private or that old associations will fade quietly.

Sven Kramer

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