The Hidden Career Conversations
Newly released emails reveal that Kathryn Ruemmler, now the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, maintained a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein for years after leaving the Obama White House. These private communications show Ruemmler turning to Epstein for career advice, professional guidance, and personal confidences during critical moments in her legal career.
Kathryn Ruemmler, now the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, maintained a correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein after leaving the Obama White House.
Career Crossroads and Confidential Conversations
When facing major career decisions, Ruemmler repeatedly sought Epstein's input. During the 2014 Attorney General consideration, she engaged in intense discussions with Epstein about whether to accept the position as head of the Justice Department. Epstein compared her indecision to Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and advised her to "talk to boss" about taking the job.
Ruemmler confided in Epstein about practical career concerns, including her $11,000 monthly New York apartment and whether she could secure enough Senate confirmation votes. She also sought his advice when other law firms tried to recruit her, with Epstein suggesting she "ask him for a financial proposal" regarding compensation negotiations.
Professional Network and Career Advancement
The emails reveal Epstein offered to introduce Ruemmler to powerful figures in his network, including Leon Black, Woody Allen, Peter Thiel, Larry Summers, and Boris Nikolic. This access to influential contacts represented significant career advancement opportunities for the rising legal star.
Even for minor professional matters, Ruemmler turned to Epstein for guidance. When traveling for work with Apple on a patent lawsuit, she asked about flying Emirates business class, wondering "do I need to go first or is business class good enough given that I only care about sleeping?"
The House Oversight Committee has been releasing files that it has subpoenaed from Jeffrey Epstein's estate.
Career Trajectory and Professional Relationships
The exchanges spanned from 2014, shortly after Ruemmler left her position as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama, until June 2019. During this period, she was widely viewed as a legal star in the Democratic Party and was floated as a possible Supreme Court pick.
Epstein included Ruemmler in email discussions with other prominent attorneys he had personally hired, including Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, Martin Weinberg, and Darren Indyke. This professional integration suggests Epstein valued her legal insight and considered her part of his inner circle of legal advisors.
Kathryn Ruemmler, on the left, served as White House Counsel during President Barack Obama's administration.
Career Consequences and Professional Regret
Ruemmler has previously stated she regrets her association with Epstein. Goldman Sachs spokesperson Tony Fratto emphasized that "the personal emails exclusively occurred before Kathy worked at Goldman Sachs, when Ms. Ruemmler was the global head of the White Collar Defense practice at Latham and Watkins."
The newly released emails suggest a deeper relationship between Ruemmler and Epstein than was previously known, raising questions about how professionals should evaluate their career advisors and mentors. The correspondence serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of carefully considering whose career advice you seek and the potential long-term consequences of professional associations.
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