High-Profile Resignation Amid Epstein Fallout Raises Ethical Questions

Fri Feb 06 2026 00:47:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brad Karp, chairman of Paul Weiss law firm, resigns as new Epstein documents reveal troubling past ties. Fallout extends internationally with resignations and apologies across the globe.

Brad Karp has stepped down from his position as chairman at Paul, Weiss law firm following the release of emails that highlight his interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout has led to a broader international impact, prompting resignations and apologies from officials abroad, while raising ethical questions regarding connections to Epstein.

Brad Karp, the chairman of one of the U.S.'s most prominent law firms, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Garrison & Wharton, has resigned amidst the fallout from newly released emails that reveal his communications with Jeffrey Epstein. Although the firm stated it never represented Epstein, Karp’s interactions with him have generated significant media scrutiny.

On Wednesday, Paul Weiss announced Karp's resignation. Karp referenced the ongoing media attention towards him as a distraction detrimental to the firm. He will remain with the firm, where he has worked for four decades.

Recent releases of documents by the Department of Justice signify a renewed focus on Epstein's actions and his connections with powerful individuals, prompting investigations and testimonies including from notable figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, who agreed to testify before Congress regarding their ties to Epstein.

International implications have surfaced as well; a leading Slovak official resigned after it was revealed he met with Epstein post-incarceration. Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an apology for appointing an ambassador associated with Epstein.

Among a myriad of evidence revealed, emails from Karp dated July 22, 2015, showed him thanking Epstein for hosting what he termed a 'once in a lifetime' evening, underscoring the nature of their relationship.

Some of the emails also featured Karp discussing connections Epstein wanted to facilitate, including one with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. This correspondence has drawn ire as it raises questions about Karp's judgment and professional ethics given Epstein's notorious history.

As the ramifications of these revelations continue to unfold, Paul Weiss must navigate not only the reputational damage but also address internal perceptions concerning its leadership's judgment regarding associations with figures like Epstein. The situation remains fluid, reflecting broader concerns about accountability and the far-reaching consequences of personal and professional alliances in the legal field.