By Mike Spector
NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) – Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp “regrets” interactions with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the law firm said, after a trove of emails revealed more extensive communications between the two men than previously known.
Karp attended dinners with the late convicted sex offender and asked Epstein to help his son land a job with a Woody Allen film production, according to the firm and a Reuters review of emails contained among millions of documents the U.S. Department of Justice released last week as part of the Epstein files.
Karp also at one point shared a confidential stock sale document with Epstein, according to the emails. In addition, the two discussed sexual misconduct accusations made against well-known men in late 2017, the emails show.
The pair traded emails for several years up to as recently as March 2019. Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges later that year in July. He later hanged himself in his Manhattan jail cell. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges, including soliciting an underage girl.
Karp met Epstein through his work representing “significant firm client” Leon Black, co-founder and former chairman of Apollo Global Management, a Paul Weiss spokesperson said in a statement.
‘REGRET’
“During the course of that representation, which spanned several years, Mr. Karp never witnessed or participated in any misconduct. Mr. Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a small number of social interactions by email, all of which he regrets,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Paul Weiss struck a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump last year to pledge millions of dollars in free legal work to causes Trump’s administration supported in exchange for it rescinding an executive order targeting the law firm.
“I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget,” Karp wrote to Epstein in a July 2015 message that followed a scheduled dinner with Woody Allen, the filmmaker. “It was truly ‘once in a lifetime’ in every way, though I hope to be invited again. You are an extraordinary host – and your home….!!!”
Epstein responded: “You are always welcome. There are many many nights of unique talents. You will be invited often.”
“You’re amazing … and thank you!” Karp replied.
Black, the Apollo co-founder and Karp’s client, became embroiled in a dispute with Epstein over fees in 2016. The fees Black paid Epstein later became the subject of intense scrutiny, leading him to relinquish his role atop the giant private-equity firm.
(Reporting by Mike Spector; editing by Mark Heinrich)
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