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

Brad Karp, who transformed 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.

The Rise

• 2008 – Karp takes the helm, steering Paul Weiss toward Wall Street deals and a strong Democratic alignment.
• Under his leadership:
• The firm outpaced rivals in political donations.
• It attracted top talent from both corporate law and public service.

A Legacy of Civil Liberties

• Founded in 1875, Paul Weiss had long been a defender of civil liberties.
• Karp’s tenure saw high‑profile political cases:
• Lawsuits against Trump supporters after January 6.
• Civil rights litigation following the Charlottesville rally.

Political Backlash

• Trump’s return to office in 2025 turned Paul Weiss into a target.
• Karp negotiated with the administration to lift an executive order that barred the firm from federal contracts.
• Deal value: $40 million in free legal services for causes favored by Trump.
• Critics saw this as a capitulation eroding the firm’s independence.
• A dozen partners departed in protest.

The Epstein Connection

• The Justice Department released emails linking Karp to Epstein.
• Meetings with the former financier were documented.
• Discussions included a “once in a lifetime” dinner with Woody Allen and attempts to secure roles for Karp’s son.
• The revelations sparked a media storm, distracting the firm and leading to Karp’s resignation.

Aftermath

• Karp remains with Paul Weiss as a client attorney.
• The firm appointed Scott Barshay—recruited by Karp in 2016 to boost mergers and acquisitions—as the new chairman.
• The episode underscores how proximity to political power can expose even seasoned leaders to reputational risk and ethical questions.