Summary (tl;dr)

Brad Karp has resigned as chairman of the prominent Wall Street law firm Paul Weiss, effective immediately, following the release of emails detailing his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Scott Barshay, a leading mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer, has been appointed as the new chairman.

Essential Background

Brad Karp served as the chairman of Paul Weiss since 2008, transforming the firm into a major player in corporate deal work and significantly growing its annual revenues. He was widely recognized as one of the country's top litigators and corporate advisors. The U.S. Department of Justice recently released a new tranche of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex offenses. These documents included extensive personal and business emails between Karp and Epstein, with some communications occurring after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

The Full Story

On February 4, 2026, Paul Weiss announced that Brad Karp had stepped down from his leadership role. The firm cited "recent reporting" regarding Karp's interactions with Epstein as a distraction that was not in the firm's best interest. The emails revealed instances where Karp praised Epstein, attended dinners with him, and even sought his assistance in finding a job for his son. Scott Barshay, who previously chaired the firm's Corporate Department, has taken over as chairman. Barshay is known for his expertise in high-stakes corporate transactions. Karp will remain a partner at the firm, focusing on client service.

Why It Matters

This leadership transition at Paul Weiss is significant for one of Wall Street's most powerful law firms. Karp's resignation underscores the heightened scrutiny faced by individuals and institutions with past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal on professional reputations and corporate governance. The appointment of Scott Barshay, a prominent dealmaker, signals Paul Weiss's commitment to stability and continuity in its core corporate and transactional practices amidst this high-profile change.

Geographic Location

• 1285 Sixth Avenue, New York City, New York, United States (Paul Weiss headquarters, where the leadership change was announced)