Goldman Sachs’ Top Lawyer Accepted Gifts from Jeffrey Epstein, Documents Reveal

• Ruemmler received expensive gifts including an Hermes watch, boots, and handbag from Epstein, with emails showing her enthusiasm: 'Am totally tricked out by Uncle Jeffrey today!'
• She advised Epstein in 2019 on how to respond to media inquiries about alleged special legal treatment due to his connections, after his 2008 conviction
• Ruemmler defended the relationship as attorney-client based, stating she 'had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal conduct' and did not know Epstein as 'the monster he has been revealed to be'

Summary: Goldman Sachs General Counsel's Ties to Jeffrey Epstein Revealed

Newly released Department of Justice documents show that Goldman Sachs' top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler accepted luxury gifts from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and provided him media relations advice, according to a Reuters review published February 3.

Key Facts:

• Ruemmler maintained extensive communications with Epstein from 2014-2019, years after his 2008 guilty plea for procuring a minor for prostitution
• Documents reveal Ruemmler accepted expensive gifts including Hermès watches, boots, and handbags from Epstein
• In 2019, she advised Epstein on responding to media inquiries about alleged special legal treatment due to his connections
• Ruemmler, a former Obama White House counsel, worked with Epstein in her capacity as a white-collar defense attorney

Company Response:

Goldman Sachs spokesperson Tony Fratto indicated the firm was aware of Ruemmler's prior professional relationship with Epstein. CEO David Solomon previously called her "an excellent general counsel." The bank stated it conducted its own diligence and was satisfied with the findings.

Ruemmler defended herself, stating she knew Epstein only in her capacity as a defense lawyer and "had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal conduct on his part."

Background:

Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in July 2019 and died in jail the following month in what was ruled a suicide. The released documents shed new light on Epstein's connections across politics, finance, and academia.

Market Implications:

The revelations pose potential reputational risks for Goldman Sachs, though the firm has publicly backed its general counsel. No immediate financial or regulatory impacts were indicated.