Goldman Sachs Top Lawyer Kathy Ruemmler Poised for Final Departure Amid Epstein Controversy

Kathy Ruemmler is nearing the end of her tenure at Goldman Sachs, with her final departure from the investment bank anticipated in the coming weeks. The move follows her resignation as general counsel earlier this year amid controversy surrounding her past business associations with Jeffrey Epstein.

Ruemmler's departure as general counsel became effective in June. She has since remained with the firm in an advisory capacity, assisting with the search for her permanent replacement and other legal matters. Sources indicate that this advisory role will conclude once a new general counsel is appointed.

Kathy Ruemmler previously served as White House counsel under the Obama administration before moving to private practice. At Latham & Watkins, she led the white-collar defense unit, where she encountered Epstein. He was not her client but acted as a liaison for her client, the Edmond de Rothschild Group. Emails revealed a close correspondence between Ruemmler and Epstein, which led to significant media scrutiny for both Ruemmler and Goldman Sachs. Despite the controversy, Ruemmler testified before the House Oversight Committee in July regarding Epstein's alleged child sex-trafficking activities.

Ruemmler disclosed her dealings with Epstein to Goldman Sachs before her hiring. Her correspondence with Epstein, which included referring to him as "Uncle Jeffrey" and receiving gifts, became public through documents released as part of the "Epstein Files." These documents include millions of pages of communications detailing Epstein's business dealings and legal cases.

In February, Ruemmler resigned from her position as general counsel to spare Goldman Sachs further controversy. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon reportedly believed Ruemmler was being unfairly portrayed and encouraged her to stay on as an advisor after an interim general counsel was appointed in June. Ruemmler has been involved in the search for her successor and other legal issues during her six years at the firm.

Sources close to the firm suggest that Ruemmler's advisory role is winding down as Goldman Sachs prepares to name Michael Bosworth as its permanent general counsel. Neither Ruemmler's spokesperson nor a Goldman Sachs representative has officially commented on the matter, though they did not deny the reports.

Ruemmler is expected to return to private practice, where she is regarded as a highly skilled white-collar attorney. In March, Goldman Sachs announced a $25 million compensation package for her work in 2025.