Brad Karp Resigns Paul Weiss Chair
Analysis based on 20 articles · First reported Feb 05, 2026 · Last updated Feb 06, 2026
The resignation of Brad Karp from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, a prominent Wall Street law firm, due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, creates uncertainty and potential reputational damage for the firm. This event highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, impacting individuals and institutions associated with him, and could lead to increased scrutiny on other high-profile figures and their past connections.
Brad Karp, the long-serving chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, a leading corporate law firm, resigned from his position after newly released emails by the United States — United States Department of Justice revealed his extensive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails showed Karp thanking Epstein for hosting him, seeking Epstein's help to secure a job for his son on a Woody Allen film, and reviewing a draft court filing related to Epstein's plea agreement. Karp stated that the 'recent reporting has created a distraction' for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Scott Barshay, head of the firm's corporate department, has been appointed as the new chairman. Karp will remain at the firm, focusing on client service. The event also brought renewed attention to a controversial deal Karp brokered with Donald Trump in March 2025, where Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison agreed to provide pro bono legal work in exchange for Trump rescinding an executive order against the firm. Karp's interactions with Epstein reportedly began through his work representing Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management.
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