The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has resigned abruptly, just hours after expressing regret for soliciting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's assistance in obtaining a film industry position for his son with director Woody Allen. Brad Karp, who had led the firm for nearly two decades, stepped down on Wednesday following the disclosure of his connections to Epstein in a recent Department of Justice document release.
A Sudden Departure Amidst Mounting Scrutiny
In a formal statement, Karp acknowledged that recent press coverage had become a significant distraction, shifting focus onto him in a manner detrimental to the firm's interests. "Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life," Karp remarked. The firm itself did not provide a specific rationale for his departure but confirmed that partner Scott Barshay would assume the role of chairman moving forward. Notably, Karp will not sever all ties with the practice; he is expected to continue dedicating his efforts full-time to client service.
Revelations from Department of Justice Files
The latest cache of documents released by the Department of Justice last Friday contained dozens of email exchanges between Karp and Epstein. These communications laid bare the extent of their relationship, which extended beyond professional legal dealings. Among the most damaging revelations was an email from June 2016, in which Karp pitched his Cornell University graduate son, David, to aid Woody Allen with an upcoming film project. "He certainly doesn't need to be paid and he's a really good, talented kid," Karp wrote. Epstein responded, "I will ask, of course."
Subsequently, in August 2016, Epstein texted Woody Allen directly about David, describing him as a 22-year-old who had worked on Martin Scorsese's production of 'Vinyl' and emphasising that he would "do anything and does not need to get paid." After initially ignoring several messages, Allen eventually provided his assistant's contact details, leading to a meeting for David later that month. Following this encounter, David emailed Epstein to express profound gratitude, stating the opportunity meant a great deal for his film career.
Social Engagements and Gushing Praise
The files further detailed that Karp was a guest at multiple dinners held at Epstein's New York City mansion. In one email following a 2015 dinner that also included Woody Allen, Karp effusively thanked Epstein for "an evening I'll never forget," describing it as "truly 'once in a lifetime' in every way" and praising Epstein as an "extraordinary host." Epstein reciprocated, assuring Karp he was "always welcome" and would be "invited often." Karp's family, including his son David, were also invited to several private screenings of Allen's films between 2014 and 2018, arranged by Epstein's assistant.
Professional Context and Broader Implications
Brad Karp had spent his entire 40-year legal career at Paul, Weiss, ascending to the chairman role in 2008. A significant portion of his work involved representing Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management. The firm confirmed that Paul Weiss was retained by Black to negotiate a series of fee disputes with Jeffrey Epstein over several years, asserting that the firm was "adverse to Epstein" and never formally represented him. Notably, Black paid Epstein approximately $160 million between 2012 and 2017.
The released correspondence also revealed Karp consulting with Epstein on personal matters for Leon Black. In July 2015, they discussed how to handle a mistress of Black's who was allegedly demanding money. Epstein suggested surveillance and investigating her visa status, to which Karp replied, "Both good ideas; will work on this."
Additional Controversies and Aftermath
This scandal is not the first controversy to surround Paul Weiss under Karp's leadership. Last year, the firm faced backlash for offering former President Donald Trump an estimated $40 million in free legal services, a move critics linked to allegations concerning the firm's diversity practices. Furthermore, just months before Epstein's arrest in July 2019, he was reportedly orchestrating, with the help of former White House strategist Steve Bannon, Karp's admission into the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club. Epstein's subsequent arrest on child sex trafficking charges and his death by suicide in a New York jail cell the following month left it unclear if these plans materialised.
In the wake of the DOJ file disclosures, Karp cancelled a scheduled speaking engagement at the Wall Street Journal's Invest Live event in Palm Beach. The firm issued an apology on his behalf to the New York Times, stating, "Mr Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a small number of social interactions by email, all of which he regrets." As the legal community digests these developments, the departure marks a significant and abrupt end to a long-standing tenure at one of the industry's most prominent firms.
