Goldman Sachs Maintains Salary for Former Lawyer Amid Epstein Controversy
Goldman Sachs is keeping Kathryn Ruemmler, its soon-to-be former chief legal officer, on salary despite her resignation earlier this year linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Even after stepping down, Ruemmler has been asked to stay on as an advisor by CEO David Solomon, as reported by Bloomberg News.
This decision is quite surprising, particularly after Goldman announced in February that she would leave her position on June 30, following revelations from thousands of emails that highlighted her connection to the deceased convicted sex offender.
Solomon stated he had “reluctantly accepted” Ruemmler’s resignation after the Justice Department released multiple documents exposing their long-standing relationship.
Michael Bosworth is set to take over as interim general counsel in July while Goldman searches for a permanent replacement, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.
Ruemmler’s ongoing involvement with Goldman could renew tensions that have been brewing within the firm for months, especially concerning Solomon’s strong support for her after the scandal.
Previously, the former White House counsel under President Obama resigned amid revelations of a relationship with Epstein that seemed to go beyond mere professional ties.
Emails revealed that Epstein arranged gifts for Ruemmler, including high-end items, which raised questions about the nature of their connection. After her resignation, Ruemmler noted that the situation had become a “distraction.”
In a lighthearted 2015 birthday message, she expressed hope he enjoyed his day, using a teasing tone. Her reply to one of Epstein’s crude jokes was somewhat sardonic, suggesting a playful rapport.
Further into their exchange, she conveyed her appreciation for their friendship, indicating mutual support during legal struggles.
In another message during a luxury trip to Europe organized by Epstein, she conveyed gratitude and affection, signing off with “Xo.”
They shared many personal messages over the years, with Epstein expressing gratitude for her “friendship and help” and Ruemmler acknowledging gifts with warmth and excitement.
Ruemmler has consistently stated that her interactions with Epstein were purely professional, largely revolving around her work as a white-collar defense attorney.
In a statement, she indicated that while Epstein provided business referrals, she had never officially represented him or received compensation and had no knowledge of any legal misconduct on his part.
Ruemmler also claimed that the version of Epstein presented to her did not align with the later, more disturbing revelations, asserting that she would never have engaged with him had she known.
However, Solomon’s backing of Ruemmler has raised concerns among some Goldman executives and influential alumni, who fear the ongoing controversy might harm the firm’s standing.
Ruemmler’s case is among several high-profile resignations resulting from the release of Epstein-related documents, which also implicated notable figures like billionaire Bill Gates and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers.
Both Goldman Sachs and Ruemmler declined to comment further on the matter.
