Goldman Sachs' Top Lawyer Accepted Gifts from Jeffrey Epstein

Emails show Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman's general counsel, had extensive communications with the late sex offender and received gifts from him.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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According to a Reuters review of newly released documents, Goldman Sachs' top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler accepted gifts from the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and advised him on how to address media inquiries regarding his crimes. Ruemmler, who also served as White House counsel during the Obama administration, referred to Epstein as 'Uncle Jeffrey' in emails and received gifts from him including wine and a handbag. The documents show Ruemmler had a large number of communications with Epstein from 2014 to 2019, even after his 2008 guilty plea for procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the close ties between powerful figures in finance, politics, and academia, and convicted sex offenders like Jeffrey Epstein. It highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability around such relationships, especially when they involve senior executives at major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs.

The details

The newly released documents provided more details about Epstein's connections to prominent people. In 2018, a third party emailed Ruemmler saying Epstein wanted to buy her an Hermès Apple Watch band, which she accepted. In 2019, she thanked Epstein for gifts including 'Jeffrey boots, handbag, and watch.' Ruemmler also advised Epstein in 2019 on how to respond to a media query about the alleged special legal treatment he received due to his connections.

  • In 2014, Ruemmler began communicating extensively with Epstein.
  • In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.
  • In July 2019, Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges.
  • In August 2019, Epstein died in his Manhattan jail cell, which the New York City medical examiner ruled a suicide.

The players

Kathryn Ruemmler

Goldman Sachs' top lawyer and former White House counsel during the Obama administration.

Jeffrey Epstein

A late sex offender and disgraced financier.

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs who has backed Ruemmler in the past, calling her 'an excellent general counsel.'

Tony Fratto

A Goldman Sachs spokesperson who said Epstein often offered unsolicited favors and gifts to many business contacts.

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What they’re saying

“I was a defense attorney when I dealt with Jeffrey Epstein. I got to know him as a lawyer and that was the foundation of my relationship with him. I had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal conduct on his part, and I did not know him as the monster he has been revealed to be. These decade-old private emails you are selectively referencing and pruriently reporting on have nothing to do with my work at Goldman Sachs.”

— Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' Top Lawyer (Reuters)

“Epstein often offered unsolicited favors and gifts to many business contacts.”

— Tony Fratto, Goldman Sachs Spokesperson (Reuters)

What’s next

The U.S. Department of Justice is expected to continue investigating Epstein's connections to prominent figures in finance, politics, and academia as more documents are released.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability around the relationships between powerful individuals and convicted sex offenders, especially when those relationships involve senior executives at major financial institutions. It raises concerns about the potential for undue influence and the erosion of public trust.