Law Firm Leader’s Fall: Power, Politics and a Shocking Exit

Brad Karp, who had guided the historic Paul Weiss firm from a modest litigation shop into a global powerhouse, stepped down as chairman after revelations of his ties to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Karp’s rise began in 2008 when he assumed the firm’s top role, steering it toward Wall Street deals and a strong Democratic alignment. Under his leadership, Paul Weiss outpaced rivals in political donations and attracted top talent from both corporate law and public service. The firm’s reputation as a defender of civil liberties dated back to its 1875 founding. Yet Karp’s tenure also saw the firm take on high‑profile political cases, including lawsuits against Trump supporters after January 6 and civil rights litigation following the Charlottesville rally. These actions earned praise from some quarters but also made Paul Weiss a target when Trump returned to office in 2025.In response, Karp negotiated with the administration to lift an executive order that barred the firm from federal contracts. The deal, worth $40 million in free legal services for causes Trump favored, was seen by critics as a capitulation that eroded the firm’s independence. A dozen partners left the company in the wake of this controversy. The turning point came when the Justice Department released a trove of emails that linked Karp to Epstein. The correspondence revealed meetings with the former financier, discussions about a “once in a lifetime” dinner with Woody Allen, and attempts to secure roles for Karp’s son. These revelations sparked a media storm that distracted the firm and led to Karp’s resignation. Karp remains with Paul Weiss as a client attorney, but the firm appointed Scott Barshay—recruited by Karp in 2016 to boost mergers and acquisitions—as the new chairman. The episode highlights how proximity to political power can expose even seasoned leaders to reputational risk and questions about ethical boundaries.