Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, Kathryn Ruemmler, has announced her resignation following growing pressure regarding her friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails released by the US justice department indicate that Ruemmler referred to Epstein in correspondence as 'Uncle Jeffrey', and discussed strategies to mitigate media backlash against him, while also reportedly accepting luxury gifts from the financier.

Ruemmler, who previously served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama, stated, 'My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first.' CEO David Solomon acknowledged her service, thanking her for her 'sound advice' and noting her impact as a mentor within the firm. Her departure is set to take effect on June 30.

Despite no accusations of illegal conduct against her, the ongoing revelations surrounding Epstein have posed a significant reputational challenge for Goldman Sachs, where Ruemmler has spearheaded its reputational risk committee since joining in 2020.

Ruemmler insisted she knew Epstein solely in a professional capacity, denying any knowledge of his criminal actions and describing their relationship as that of a lawyer and client. Yet the frequent communications between them, particularly between 2014 and 2019, indicate a deeper rapport, as evidenced by her remarks in a 2015 email where she expressed affection for him, likening him to an 'older brother'.

In light of recent disclosures, including handwritten notes from law enforcement regarding Epstein's arrest that hinted at his contact with Ruemmler, the firm faces scrutiny on the issue. Her exit from Goldman Sachs is part of a broader wave of resignations linked to Epstein's disclosures, showcasing the ongoing fallout from the case.