Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp Resigns Amid Epstein Revelations

Karp's ties to Trump and Epstein led to his downfall as head of the prominent law firm.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Brad Karp, the longtime chairman of the prestigious law firm Paul Weiss, has resigned from his position following the release of records detailing his extensive communications with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Karp's political ties, including his efforts to fundraise for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and his subsequent deal with former President Donald Trump, also contributed to his undoing as the firm's leader.

Why it matters

Karp's resignation highlights the risks that prominent law firm leaders can face when they become entangled in high-profile political and legal controversies. The revelations about Karp's contacts with Epstein have undermined his credibility and standing, even though he has not been accused of wrongdoing. This case underscores the importance of maintaining institutional independence and avoiding the perception of accommodation with powerful political figures.

The details

Karp joined Paul Weiss in 1983 and rose to become the firm's chairman in 2008, transforming it into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, Paul Weiss became known for its ties to the Democratic establishment, with the firm's lawyers and staff outpacing other major law firms in donations to Democrats during the 2024 election cycle. However, Karp's decision to cut a deal with former President Trump to rescind an executive order punishing the firm for its work against the administration created a perception of capitulation among some lawyers aligned with the Democratic Party. At least a dozen partners, including one who had advised Harris for her presidential debate, departed the firm afterward. The release of emails detailing Karp's extensive communications with Epstein, including discussions about Epstein's non-prosecution agreement and a woman demanding money from one of Karp's clients, ultimately led to his resignation as chairman.

  • In November 2024, Karp joined other prominent Democratic fundraisers at election night gatherings in Washington, hoping for a Kamala Harris victory over Republican rival Donald Trump.
  • In July 2024, Karp reached out to hundreds of corporate lawyers in a fundraising push for Harris after she replaced incumbent Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate.
  • In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order blacklisting Paul Weiss from federal buildings and government contracts, part of a series of such directives aimed at various law firms that the president viewed as adversaries.
  • In late January 2026, a trove of emails made public revealed extensive communications between Karp and Epstein, prompting Karp to resign as chairman.

The players

Brad Karp

The former chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss, who transformed the firm into a global powerhouse but whose ties to Trump and Epstein ultimately led to his resignation.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose return to the White House in 2025 created tumult for Karp and Paul Weiss.

Kamala Harris

The Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 election, whom Karp had supported through fundraising efforts.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender, whose involvement with Karp contributed to the law firm leader's downfall.

Leon Black

The co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a large Wall Street investment firm, who was involved in fee disputes with Epstein, which led to Karp's communications with Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“If you were going to write a Greek tragedy about a law firm leader, this is it.”

— Former senior Paul Weiss attorney

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 the risks that prominent law firm leaders can face when they become entangled in high-profile political and legal controversies, and the importance of maintaining institutional independence and avoiding the perception of accommodation with powerful political figures.