Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison announced that its chairman, Brad Karp, has resigned following the public release of emails he exchanged with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The prestigious law firm, widely known as Paul Weiss, confirmed the departure in a statement, citing the distractions created by the reporting on Karp’s past interactions.
“Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life,” Karp said. “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 comes after the Department of Justice released millions of pages of Epstein’s emails, including some correspondence with Karp. Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution, maintained connections with numerous influential figures, drawing widespread scrutiny after the release.
Karp’s connections to Epstein
Brad Karp, who chaired Paul Weiss since 2008, is documented in the emails as having attended dinners with Epstein and sought his assistance in securing a role for Karp’s son on a Woody Allen film project. In one particularly notable 2015 email sent from his company address, Karp thanked Epstein profusely for hosting him at one of these gatherings.
“Jeffrey, I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget,” Karp wrote. “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….!!!”
Another email exchange occurred in early 2019, although details of that correspondence have not been fully disclosed. Earlier in the week, Paul Weiss had said that Karp regretted his interactions with Epstein, framing the emails as unwise personal decisions rather than evidence of criminal activity.
Fallout beyond Paul Weiss
The public release of Epstein-related emails has triggered a cascade of resignations and professional consequences across multiple sectors. Some figures who had correspondence with Epstein have stepped down from high-profile positions, reflecting a broader reckoning with the financier’s network.
In the United Kingdom, Peter Mandelson, the former ambassador to the United States and a long-serving lawmaker, resigned after a preliminary review by the Cabinet Office suggested he passed along information to Epstein that could have been “likely market-sensitive.” British police are reportedly investigating Mandelson’s actions, although he has not publicly responded to inquiries.
Meanwhile, Peter Attia, a longevity expert and chief science officer at David Protein, resigned from his position, according to the company’s founder, Peter Rahal. Attia, who was recently tapped as a contributor for CBS News, emphasized in a statement on social media that he never witnessed, enabled, or participated in any criminal activity related to Epstein.
“That said, I apologize and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me,” Attia wrote. “I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it.”
The larger context
The revelations highlight the extent to which Epstein maintained relationships with high-profile individuals across industries, including law, politics, science, and media. His ability to cultivate these connections has prompted renewed scrutiny, particularly as millions of pages of previously undisclosed emails have become public through DOJ releases.
The emails illustrate a pattern of influence-seeking by Epstein, as he positioned himself to gain access to networks of power and privilege. In Karp’s case, for example, the emails suggest a personal acquaintance rather than involvement in criminal acts. Nonetheless, the optics have proven damaging for the law firm and for other professionals associated with Epstein.
Epstein’s criminal history is extensive. He was first convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution, serving a sentence that has been widely criticized for its leniency. In 2019, Epstein was charged with sex trafficking of minors; he died in prison while awaiting trial on those charges, sparking widespread public outrage and numerous ongoing investigations into his associates.
Reputational impact
For Paul Weiss, Karp’s resignation is both a personal and institutional response to a potential reputational threat. Law firms operate in an environment where credibility and ethical standards are paramount, and the public release of communications with a figure like Epstein risks undermining client and peer confidence. By stepping down, Karp seeks to shield the firm from ongoing scrutiny and controversy.
Similarly, other resignations, such as those of Mandelson and Attia, reflect the high stakes associated with professional associations with Epstein, even in the absence of direct wrongdoing. These departures underscore the reality that individuals connected to Epstein, regardless of their intentions, face intense public and professional scrutiny once communications are made public.
Legal and ethical considerations
While the emails themselves do not indicate criminal liability for Karp, Mandelson, or Attia, they raise questions about judgment, boundaries, and professional ethics. Engaging with Epstein, a convicted sex offender with a documented history of exploiting minors, presents both legal and reputational risks. For institutions and individuals alike, the release of these communications can result in swift consequences, even when no laws have been broken.
In the U.S., attorneys and corporate officers are held to rigorous ethical standards, and any perceived lapse in judgment can provoke resignations or disciplinary measures. Paul Weiss’ decision to accept Karp’s resignation signals a prioritization of institutional integrity over individual tenure, reflecting a commitment to maintaining client trust and public credibility.
Moving forward
The fallout from Epstein’s email releases is expected to continue, as investigators, journalists, and the public sift through millions of documents. Professionals across multiple sectors may face scrutiny, and further resignations or disciplinary actions cannot be ruled out.
For Paul Weiss, the immediate focus will likely be on stabilizing leadership, reassuring clients, and demonstrating that the firm remains committed to ethical standards despite the controversy surrounding its former chairman. Karp’s statement emphasizes his recognition of the distraction caused and his desire to place the firm’s interests above his own: “Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm.”
The broader narrative highlights the enduring consequences of Epstein’s network and the ways in which his influence continues to reverberate. Individuals and organizations previously connected to him must navigate not only legal implications but also public perception, often in a highly charged media environment.
Conclusion
Brad Karp’s resignation from Paul Weiss illustrates the intense pressures facing professionals whose names surface in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. While there is no suggestion of criminal activity on his part, the emails’ public release has proven sufficient to trigger a high-profile departure.
Across the globe, figures like Peter Mandelson and Peter Attia have taken similar steps, underscoring a broader reckoning with Epstein’s extensive network. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the reputational, ethical, and legal challenges that arise when communications with individuals like Epstein come to light, and they highlight the enduring public and institutional consequences of associating with figures involved in criminal activity.
For law firms, corporations, and public figures alike, the episode reinforces the importance of careful judgment in professional and personal relationships and demonstrates the lasting impact that a single controversial association can have, even years after the fact.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
