Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer and chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, announced she will resign effective June 30, 2026, following mounting scrutiny over her past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. According to the Financial Times, Ruemmler informed the bank that the ongoing media attention surrounding her prior legal work had become a distraction.

Ruemmler joined Goldman in 2020 and served as its general counsel, one of the most powerful legal roles on Wall Street. She previously served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama.

Recently released Department of Justice documents show Ruemmler maintained extensive communications with Epstein between 2014 and 2019, years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The emails reveal she discussed potential job opportunities with Epstein and forwarded correspondence involving one of his associates. Records also indicate she received luxury gifts and services from him.

Ruemmler has said she regrets knowing Epstein and maintains she was unaware of the scope of his criminal conduct at the time.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon publicly supported Ruemmler, describing her as an “extraordinary general counsel” who provided strong legal guidance on significant matters. However, internal frustration reportedly grew as the disclosures attracted scrutiny from board members, executives, and alumni of the firm. Some individuals described the situation as embarrassing and deeply disappointing.

Ruemmler previously characterized her interactions with Epstein as professional in nature. During the period of her communications with him, she was affiliated with Latham & Watkins and later held senior positions at Goldman, including roles on its reputational risk and conduct committees.

Her departure represents one of the most prominent corporate consequences stemming from the ongoing release of Epstein-related documents, which continue to reverberate through major financial and legal institutions.