Goldman Sachs’ top legal officer, Kathy Ruemmler, is stepping down following renewed scrutiny over her past communications with Jeffrey Epstein — though in a surprising twist, the decision reportedly came from her, not the bank.
The Wall Street giant confirmed late Thursday that Ruemmler, its general counsel, will leave the firm. However, her departure will not take effect until June 30, creating an unusual transition period for one of the most powerful legal posts in global finance.
Ruemmler’s exit follows the release of additional Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department. The records revealed that she maintained email correspondence with the disgraced financier in the years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Some emails reportedly included friendly sign-offs such as “xoxo,” as well as birthday wishes that prompted a crude response from Epstein.
In a statement, Ruemmler said the media attention surrounding her past legal work had become a distraction.
“I made the determination that the media attention on me, relating to my prior work as a defense attorney, was becoming a distraction,” she said.
According to sources cited in reports, Ruemmler personally informed CEO David Solomon of her decision after the resurfaced emails reignited controversy. Solomon had publicly stood by her in recent weeks, even as some senior executives and alumni reportedly expressed frustration over the optics of her continued tenure.
“Throughout her tenure, Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel, and we are grateful for her contributions and sound advice on a wide range of consequential legal matters for the firm,” Solomon said in a statement announcing her departure.
Justice Department records released in January also showed that Ruemmler received gifts from Epstein, including a $9,400 Hermès handbag and a spa visit at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. Her spokesperson, Jennifer Connelly, stated that Ruemmler “has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide,” adding that nothing in the official record suggests misconduct. Connelly also emphasized that Epstein never retained Ruemmler as his attorney.
Ruemmler was a key hire for Solomon during his early years as CEO. Brought on in 2020 as chief legal officer and elevated to general counsel in 2021, she was widely viewed as part of Solomon’s inner circle during a period marked by internal dissent and leadership challenges. Solomon ultimately reshaped much of Goldman’s senior leadership, consolidating a team of trusted allies.
