Goldman Sachs' Top Lawyer Resigns After Epstein Email Scandal

Kathy Ruemmler steps down as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel after emails show close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at investment bank Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel, announced her resignation after emails between her and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein showed a close personal relationship where she described him as an 'older brother' and downplayed his sex crimes. Ruemmler received expensive gifts from Epstein after his 2008 conviction, which is against Wall Street's code of conduct.

Why it matters

The resignation of Goldman Sachs' top lawyer over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein raises questions about the firm's vetting and oversight processes, as well as the broader issue of Wall Street's culture and ethical standards when it comes to associating with individuals accused of serious crimes.

The details

In emails, Ruemmler described Epstein as 'another older brother' and said she 'adored him', despite his conviction for sex crimes in 2008. Ruemmler received expensive gifts from Epstein, including luxury handbags and a fur coat, after he was a registered sex offender. Goldman Sachs requires employees to get pre-approval before receiving gifts from clients to avoid conflicts of interest and potential bribery issues.

  • Ruemmler announced her resignation on February 13, 2026.
  • Ruemmler had been Goldman Sachs' Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel since 2020.
  • Epstein was first convicted of sex crimes in 2008 and later killed himself in a Manhattan jail in 2019 after being arrested a second time for sex crimes.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

The former top lawyer at Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel to President Barack Obama. She announced her resignation after emails showed her close personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had a close personal relationship with Kathy Ruemmler, according to emails, where she referred to him as 'Uncle Jeffrey' and said she 'adored him'.

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, who accepted Ruemmler's resignation and said she will be missed as 'one of the most accomplished professionals in her field'.

Goldman Sachs

The storied investment bank where Ruemmler served as the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel until her resignation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firm's legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do. My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first.”

— Kathy Ruemmler, Former Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (adn.com)

“As one of the most accomplished professionals in her field, Kathy has also been a mentor and friend to many of our people, and she will be missed. I accepted her resignation, and I respect her decision.”

— David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs (adn.com)

What’s next

Goldman Sachs will need to find a new Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel to replace Kathy Ruemmler, who is resigning effective June 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the importance of Wall Street firms maintaining strict ethical standards and vetting processes when it comes to associating with individuals accused of serious crimes, in order to protect their reputation and integrity.