Brad Karp Resigns Paul Weiss Chairmanship
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Feb 07, 2026 · Last updated Feb 07, 2026
The resignation of Brad Karp from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, a prominent law firm, signals potential shifts in the legal services market, particularly concerning firms' political affiliations and client relationships. The event highlights the reputational risks associated with past associations and political entanglements for key figures in the financial and legal industries.
Brad Karp, the long-standing chairman of the influential U.S. law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, resigned from his position following the public disclosure of his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This event unfolded after Donald Trump's return to the presidency in 2025, which led to an executive order blacklisting Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison due to its perceived opposition to the Trump administration. Brad Karp negotiated a deal with Donald Trump to rescind the order, but the subsequent release of Jeffrey Epstein-related records by the United States===United States Department of Justice, prompted by a bipartisan push in the United States===United States Congress, revealed extensive contacts between Brad Karp and Jeffrey Epstein. Although Brad Karp has not been accused of wrongdoing, the disclosures created a significant distraction and led to his resignation, with Scott Barshay taking over as chairman. Brad Karp's interactions with Jeffrey Epstein stemmed from his representation of Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management.
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