Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler resigns after ‘Uncle Jeffrey’ emails spark Epstein scandal
Kathy Ruemmler, former White House counsel, appears on “Meet the Press” in 2014. Photo: William B. Plowman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Kathryn Ruemmler, the longtime Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs, has announced her resignation following revelations of extensive communications and personal ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ruemmler confirmed she will step down effective June 30, 2026, marking a dramatic turn for one of Wall Street’s most powerful legal figures. The resignation follows the publication of emails showing she referred to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey” and expressed affection toward him in correspondence years after his 2008 sex crime conviction.
The development has raised serious questions about corporate governance, ethics policies, and reputational risk at Goldman Sachs.
Emails Show Personal Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein
Internal communications revealed Ruemmler maintained contact with Epstein between 2014 and 2019, well after his 2008 guilty plea for procuring a minor for prostitution and his status as a registered sex offender.
In one 2018 email, Ruemmler thanked Epstein for luxury gifts, including high-end handbags and a fur coat, writing: “So lovely and thoughtful! Thank you to Uncle Jeffrey!!!”
At the time, Ruemmler was in private legal practice after serving as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama. She later joined Goldman Sachs in 2020 as its top lawyer.
Epstein was arrested again in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and died weeks later in a Manhattan jail cell.
Goldman Sachs Code of Conduct and Ethical Concerns
Goldman Sachs requires employees to seek pre-approval before accepting gifts from clients, particularly high-value items that may present conflicts of interest or violate anti-bribery laws.
Wall Street institutions traditionally maintain strict gift and compliance standards to avoid reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny.
A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs stated Ruemmler “regrets ever knowing him,” while CEO David Solomon said he accepted her resignation and respected her decision.
“As one of the most accomplished professionals in her field, Kathy has been a mentor and friend to many of our people,” Solomon said.
Until recently, Solomon had publicly expressed full confidence in Ruemmler.
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Ruemmler’s Response and Public Statements
Ruemmler had previously defended her professional dealings, stating she acted as a defense attorney when she interacted with Epstein.
“I was a defense attorney when I dealt with Jeffrey Epstein,” she said in a prior statement.
However, documents indicate that she also advised Epstein on responding to media inquiries regarding alleged special treatment in the justice system due to his powerful connections.
Additionally, law enforcement notes revealed Epstein attempted to contact Ruemmler by phone the night he was arrested in July 2019.
Ruemmler has since described Epstein as a “monster,” distancing herself from the relationship following renewed public scrutiny.
Impact on Goldman Sachs and Wall Street
The resignation places Goldman Sachs under renewed spotlight amid ongoing scrutiny of Wall Street’s historical ties to Epstein.
Ruemmler was among the highest-ranking executives at the firm, shaping legal strategy, regulatory responses, and compliance oversight. Her departure may prompt internal reviews of ethics policies and executive vetting procedures.
Corporate governance experts note that reputational risk can significantly affect financial institutions, particularly when high-ranking executives are involved in controversial associations.
While Goldman Sachs has not indicated further disciplinary measures or investigations, the incident underscores the long-lasting repercussions of Epstein’s connections within elite business and political circles.
Who Is Kathryn Ruemmler?
Kathryn Ruemmler previously served as White House Counsel during the Obama administration before transitioning to private legal practice and later becoming Goldman Sachs’ Chief Legal Officer in 2020.
Her legal career includes work in corporate litigation and high-profile defense matters. Until this controversy, she was widely regarded as one of the most influential legal figures in American finance.
FAQ
1. Why did Kathryn Ruemmler resign from Goldman Sachs?
Kathryn Ruemmler resigned after emails surfaced showing she maintained a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, including receiving luxury gifts and referring to him as “Uncle Jeffrey.”
2. What was Kathryn Ruemmler’s role at Goldman Sachs?
She served as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, overseeing legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
3. What was her connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
Emails revealed she communicated with Epstein from 2014 to 2019, received luxury gifts, and advised him on media matters.
4. Did Goldman Sachs fire Kathryn Ruemmler?
She submitted her resignation, which was accepted by CEO David Solomon. The company stated she would step down effective June 30, 2026.
5. Did Ruemmler know about Epstein’s criminal history?
Epstein had pleaded guilty to sex crimes in 2008 and was a registered sex offender during the period of their communications.
6. What did Goldman Sachs say about the situation?
A spokesperson said Ruemmler “regrets ever knowing him,” and CEO David Solomon described her as accomplished but respected her decision to resign.
7. Was Ruemmler Epstein’s defense attorney?
She stated she acted as a defense attorney in dealings with Epstein during her time in private practice.
8. What are the implications for Goldman Sachs?
The resignation raises concerns about corporate ethics, compliance procedures, and reputational risk for the financial institution.