Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp Steps Down Amid Epstein Revelations

Firm veteran Karp had surprisingly close ties to disgraced financier Epstein, new DOJ documents show

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Legal giant Paul Weiss is getting a new chairman for the first time in nearly two decades, but this transition is not happening in a planned, orderly fashion. Brad Karp, the firm's chairman for almost 20 years, stepped down after the latest tranche of Justice Department documents showed he had surprisingly close ties to disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein—far closer than what Paul Weiss had originally indicated.

Why it matters

The revelations about Karp's relationship with Epstein have caused massive upheaval at the elite law firm, which has shifted in recent years from a litigation-focused boutique to a corporate deals powerhouse. Karp's abrupt departure raises questions about the firm's culture and values, as well as the broader reckoning happening in the legal industry over ties to high-profile figures accused of misconduct.

The details

The DOJ documents show that Karp's relationship with Epstein evolved over a decade from initially representing a client, Leon Black of Apollo, in a fee dispute with Epstein, to Karp actively advising Epstein on his legal defense and strategy in the months before Epstein's death. This was far more involvement than Paul Weiss had previously acknowledged.

  • In February or March 2020, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting Paul Weiss and threatening to revoke security clearances, ban attorneys' access to federal buildings, and potentially tear up government contracts for the firm's clients.
  • In late 2020, Karp gave a speech saying the experience of having to decide how to respond to Trump's attacks was worse than having a heart attack earlier that year.
  • On February 4, 2026, the latest tranche of DOJ documents showing Karp's ties to Epstein was released.
  • On February 5, 2026, Karp stepped down as Paul Weiss chairman.

The players

Brad Karp

The former chairman of Paul Weiss, a global law firm based in Manhattan, who stepped down from his role after revelations about his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker whose relationship with Karp was much closer than Paul Weiss had originally indicated.

Leon Black

The co-founder of Apollo Global Management, who was involved in a fee dispute with Epstein that initially brought Karp and Epstein into contact.

Scott Barshay

The head of the corporate transactions practice at Paul Weiss, who has been elevated to the chairman role following Karp's departure.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who issued an executive order targeting Paul Weiss and other law firms in 2020 over their perceived political leanings.

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What they’re saying

“Long gone are the days of Paul Weiss being this, sort of, large litigation boutique. It's much more a corporate-focused mega-firm.”

— Chris Opfer, Bloomberg Law editor (Bloomberg Law)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.