Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp Resigns After Epstein Emails
Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp resigned after DOJ-released documents show email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein dating from 2015 through 2019.
Overview
Brad Karp resigned as chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison on Wednesday, saying in a firm statement that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of the firm.
The resignation follows documents released by the Department of Justice that include a July 22, 2015 email and other exchanges showing communications between Brad Karp and Jeffrey Epstein through 2019, according to the DOJ release.
Paul, Weiss said it never represented Jeffrey Epstein and confirmed that Brad Karp will remain at the firm while Scott Barshay will replace him as chairman effective immediately, the firm said in a statement.
Brad Karp had served as chairman since 2008 and practiced at Paul Weiss for 40 years, and the DOJ release has prompted scrutiny of other prominent figures and resignations internationally, according to reports and the DOJ documents.
Legal analysts said the documents could spur additional congressional inquiries and client and board reviews of Paul, Weiss, and that the firm may face further reputational and governance questions in coming weeks.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as part of a wider elite-accountability scandal, emphasizing released DOJ emails and high-profile connections. Editorial choices prioritize incriminating excerpts (e.g., praising Epstein, the 'victims' line), link resignations to political fallout, and sequence background context to amplify reputational consequences rather than negotiate competing explanations.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Emails from 2015-2019 included Karp thanking Epstein for a 'once in a lifetime' dinner in 2015, asking in 2016 for help connecting his son to Woody Allen, dinner invitations in 2018, and in 2019 seeking advice for John Havens and Robert Kraft, plus Karp praising a draft motion defending Epstein's plea deal by claiming victims delayed for strategic advantage.[1]
Karp resigned citing recent reporting on his Epstein emails as creating a distraction not in the firm's best interests; he had led the firm since 2008 but will remain as a partner, with Scott Barshay replacing him immediately.[1]
Paul Weiss stated it never represented Epstein, but 2019 emails show Karp reviewing and advising on a draft legal motion related to Epstein's plea deal, prompting questions about the firm's position.[1]
In 2016, Brad Karp emailed Epstein to help his son David, a Cornell undergraduate aspiring filmmaker, connect with Woody Allen; David had prior contact with Epstein, sending questions for Allen and attending a screening, but no illegal activity is evidenced.[3]
Legal analysts predict additional congressional inquiries, client and board reviews, and reputational/governance issues; Rep. Khanna called for Epstein email recipients to testify before a House panel.[1]
History
3 sources