Brad Karp’s resignation as chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP on February 4, 2026, has prompted discussions about the timing of his departure. Karp, who led the firm since 2008, stepped down following the release of emails detailing his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/paul-weiss-chairman-brad-karp-resigns-epstein-emails?utm_source=openai))
The controversy surrounding Karp began in March 2025 when President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting Paul Weiss. The order threatened to revoke the firm’s security clearances and terminate federal contracts, citing the involvement of former Paul Weiss attorney Mark Pomerantz in investigations into Trump’s finances. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/21/paul-weiss-trump-executive-action/?utm_source=openai))
In response, Karp negotiated a deal with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by the White House, including initiatives to combat antisemitism and assist veterans. The firm also committed to reviewing its hiring practices and renouncing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/22/white-house-paul-weiss?utm_source=openai))
This agreement drew significant criticism from the legal community. Observers questioned the firm’s decision to comply with the administration’s demands rather than challenge the executive order in court. Critics argued that the deal compromised the firm’s independence and set a concerning precedent for the legal profession. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/23/nation/law-firm-targeted-by-trump/?utm_source=openai))
Despite the backlash, Karp remained in his position until the release of emails revealing his extensive communications with Epstein. The correspondence included discussions about personal and professional matters, such as Karp seeking Epstein’s assistance in securing a job for his son with a Woody Allen film production. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/paul-weiss-chairman-brad-karp-resigns-epstein-emails?utm_source=openai))
The disclosure of these emails intensified scrutiny of Karp’s leadership and associations, leading to his resignation. In his statement, Karp acknowledged that the recent reporting had created a distraction not in the firm’s best interests. ([fortune.com](https://fortune.com/2026/02/05/karp-steps-down-as-paul-weiss-chairman-after-epstein-emails/?utm_source=openai))
The sequence of events raises questions about why Karp did not step down earlier, particularly after the Trump deal controversy. Some suggest that the cumulative effect of both incidents ultimately made his position untenable, prompting his eventual resignation.