Top Law Firm’s Weis Men Karp at, Fire Boss

Letter to Philippians: The infamous Epstein Files have yet to trash the careers of most businessmen they entangle. But tell that to Brad Karp, who fell victim to a revolt inside the law firm Paul Weiss he led for 18 yrs over his proximity to Epstein & a pro bono deal with Trump.

The Epstein story is surely one of betrayal. Mr. Karp’s story at Paul Weis may not also be quite characterized as one of “Eh, tu, Brutus?” but it arguably comes close. That is, as the WSJ is telling it, Karp had been widely lauded a decade ago for his poaching an M& A rainmaker, Scott Marshay, from another white shoes firm in Manhattan, which “transformed [his] firm into an M& a powerhouse.” Yet, ironically perhaps, it was Marshay who told Karp HE was taking over the firm’s chairmanship after a group of partners called the “Deciders” decided Karp needed to step down. And why, pray tell? As in all Epstein controversies, it’s complicated. But, while Karp & the firm have always insisted he was never more than an innocent watcher [aka Epstein] dupe, the latest batch of Epstein files suggest his involvement, both professionally & socially, may have been deeper than first thought. Meanwhile, we’re told the Paul Weis “Deciding Group” of partners was also still angry & griping over Karp’s controversial deal with No. 47. It provided $40 million in pro bono work in return for being exempted from Trump’s EOs targeting law firms for their alleged wrongful dealings with federal agencies. In fact, several key rainmaking partners allegedly left over it.

The WSJ story concludes ironically that Paul Weiss had “a record year in 2025.” Mr. Karp remains as a partner with the firm and will likely retain his many wealthy company clientele he’s personally built over the years. But, as the homespun Lincoln might have said, “Epstein’s filth & Trump’s trash didn’t wash off well enough.”

Davd Soul