Goldman Sachs Lawyer Resigns Over Epstein Ties

CEO David Solomon defends outgoing top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler amid controversy

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said he 'reluctantly accepted' the resignation of the bank's top lawyer, Kathy Ruemmler, following scrutiny over her past ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Solomon defended Ruemmler as a 'tremendous human being' whose ability to perform her duties was hindered by the extensive media coverage surrounding the controversy.

Why it matters

The resignation highlights the reputational damage that can occur when a high-profile company's leadership is associated with controversial figures like Epstein, even tangentially. It also raises questions about the extent to which companies should stand by executives facing public scrutiny, and the balance between loyalty and accountability.

The details

Ruemmler, who joined Goldman Sachs in 2020 as the bank's top lawyer, resigned effective June 30 after documents revealed a close relationship between her and Epstein when she was a defense attorney. The documents showed Ruemmler referring to Epstein as an 'older brother' and appearing to downplay the severity of his crimes, even after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

  • Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs as the bank's top lawyer in 2020.
  • Ruemmler announced her resignation on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Ruemmler's resignation will be effective on June 30, 2026.

The players

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs who defended Kathy Ruemmler and reluctantly accepted her resignation.

Kathy Ruemmler

The outgoing top lawyer at Goldman Sachs who resigned following scrutiny over her past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who had a close relationship with Kathy Ruemmler when she was a defense attorney, with documents showing Ruemmler referring to him as an 'older brother' and downplaying the severity of his crimes.

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What they’re saying

“I reluctantly accepted her resignation. But I respect her decision.”

— David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs (CNBC)

“I made the determination that the media attention on me, relating to my prior work as a defence attorney, was becoming a distraction.”

— Kathy Ruemmler, Outgoing Top Lawyer, Goldman Sachs (Goldman Sachs)

What’s next

The resignation raises questions about the extent to which Goldman Sachs will continue to support Ruemmler, and whether the controversy will have lasting reputational impacts for the bank.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance companies must strike between loyalty to executives and accountability for their actions, especially when those actions are associated with high-profile controversies that can damage a company's reputation.