Paul Weiss

ProPublica 990 records reveal the Mark & Stephanie Madoff Foundation (EIN 26-1445331) listed its address as 'C/O Paul Weiss, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10019-6064'. Filed 990-PFs from 2007-2017 as a 501(c)(3). The foundation had $1.8M in assets in 2011-2012, received $566K revenue in 2014, then spent $2.1M in 2014 expenses (apparent wind-down), dropping to $113K assets by 2015. Mark Madoff (Bernie Madoff's son) died by suicide in December 2010. Paul Weiss served as custodial address for the foundation through its dissolution.

The Madoff Foundation C/O Paul Weiss connection is noteworthy for several reasons: (1) Paul Weiss was involved in Madoff-related litigation, representing some victims. (2) The foundation continuing operations under PW's custodial address through 2017, seven years after Mark Madoff's death, suggests PW served as dissolution counsel. (3) The $2.1M expense spike in 2014 likely represents final distributions or legal costs. (4) Also found in 990 search: The Aftermath Project Inc (EIN 20-2740495, Los Angeles) — appears to be a separate arts nonprofit, not PW-connected.

Eileen Alexanderson (Black Family Partners/Apollo) told Epstein Jul 10 2013 that PW billings were massively cheaper than other advisors: 'Got a bill from Tom Turrin that would make your jaw drop ,000. Carlos at Paul Weiss said typical cost would be -12k for each acctg. Ada said max should be k each.' The 'Carlos' at PW is an unidentified partner. Shows PW provided Black/Epstein cost benchmarking for professional services

Richard D'Agostino (Epstein financial manager) emailed Epstein Dec 30 2014 with summary of legal invoices paid, noting 'Im still sorting through other Paul Weiss invoices (not included in attached) that were not paid directly by our office.' This reveals multiple PW billing streams — some paid by Epstein's office, others paid separately (likely by Black's entities). CC'd Richard Joslin

DOJ email EFTA02504960 (Apr 15, 2015) reveals Epstein tracking PW billing alongside major financial movements in single email to Melanie Spinella: (1) Did the Paul Weiss bill get paid? (2) 10M paid today to Gratitude America 501c3 (3) 20M paid today FTC (4) 10M July 15, 5M Sept 30, 5M Jan 1 for all of 16 (5) Tax savings paid at 37% of net (6) 50M credit, net so 150M free, 600 savings, 225M owed minus 50 credit = 175 owed. This confirms PW was billing Epstein directly and the bill was significant enough for Epstein to track alongside eight-figure disbursements. Separate email EFTA02466190 (Apr 4, 2016) to Kathy Ruemmler: Epstein claimed Paul Weiss plus one other firm offered you 6 million a year for 3 years -- indicating PW was willing to pay M over 3 years to recruit Ruemmler (former Obama WH Counsel).

Epstein directed Melanie Spinella Apr 15 2015 to pay PW bill and simultaneously outlined major financial flows: '1 did the paul weiss bill get paid ??? 2 Talk to me before signing anything today important 10m paid today to gratitude america, a 501 c 3, willl make last year complete. 20 million paid today ftc. 10 million july 15 5 million sept 30. 5 million jan 1 for all of 16. tax savings paid at 37 percent. 50 million credit. net. so 150 million free. 600 savings 225 million owed. - 50 credit, 175 owed.' Same message reveals scale of Black-Epstein financial management

Brad Wechsler (IMAX co-chair, Black confidant) wrote attorney-client privileged memo TO Rick Bronstein at PW, CC'd Leon Black and Joe Avantario, with FROM line listing both 'Brad Wechsler' and 'Jeffrey Epstein' as co-authors. Feb 9 2016 memo analyzed Part 91 vs 135 aircraft structuring. Epstein was formally listed as a co-author of legal memoranda sent to PW — not merely a consultant but an integrated member of the legal team

Epstein told Kathy Ruemmler on Apr 4 2016: 'i suggest you tell them that paul weiss plus one other firm offered you 6 million a year for 3 years.' This reveals: (1) Epstein was brokering Ruemmler's employment negotiations, (2) PW offered Ruemmler M/yr for 3 years (M total), (3) Epstein coached Ruemmler to use PW offer as leverage with another employer (likely Latham & Watkins where she was). Same email discussed Panama Papers

DOJ email EFTA02667959 (Nov 30, 2016): Epstein emailed BOTH Brad Karp and Leon Black together asking brad, can you tell me who is paying whom for what. aiken, deloitte pwc. paul weiss. This single email proves: (1) Epstein, Karp, and Black were in a three-way communication about professional service provider billing, (2) Epstein was tracking payments to at least 4 firms (Aiken Gump, Deloitte, PwC, Paul Weiss) simultaneously, (3) The billing confusion suggests overlapping mandates across Epstein personal, Black family, and Apollo matters with unclear cost allocation. Also EFTA01909135 (Jan 14, 2013): Eileen Alexanderson (Black Family Partners/Apollo) wrote to Epstein that Leon gave me the go to wire funds to you, mentioning a Paul Weiss service agreement letter and Financial Trust Company at JPM acct. This shows PW drafted the formal Epstein-Black service agreement.

Nov 30 2016: Epstein emailed BOTH Karp and Leon Black on same email thread: 'brad, can you tell me who is paying whom for what. aiken, deloitte pwc. paul weiss.' Epstein addressed PW chairman by first name and asked him to account for professional service billing across multiple firms (Akin Gump, Deloitte, PwC, Paul Weiss) — all in context of Black's affairs. Shows Epstein functioned as de facto CFO of Black's professional service relationships

Epstein to himself Aug 23 2017 reveals Bronstein LEFT Paul Weiss and was replaced by Okun: 'I asked who at Paul Weiss is giving 1040 advice, he said bronstein. (however bronstein left many months ago. when i pointed that out he said okun. but okun said he does not do individuals. only corps returns.' Shows Epstein tracked PW tax partner changes AND that PW had a gap in individual tax expertise after Bronstein's departure — yet continued advising Black through Epstein

FEC records show Paul Weiss is overwhelmingly Democratic-aligned. Brad Karp alone donated $200K+ (2024-2025) to Democratic committees: ActBlue ($61,930), DNC ($35,000), DSCC ($25,000), Harris Victory Fund ($25,000), plus 15+ individual Democratic candidates. Other major PW donors: John Kennedy ($15,600 to DCCC/DSCC/Ossoff), Ted Wells Jr. ($7,000 to Cory Booker), Scott Sher ($7,000 to Ro Khanna), Mark Bergman ($6,500). Former AG Loretta Lynch, now PW partner, donated $20K+ while at PW including $10K to Cooper Victory Fund, $3.5K to Lauren Underwood. Only 1 of 34 identified PW donor-employees gave to Republicans (Joseph Bial, small amounts to Marsha Blackburn/Tom Emmer).

Complete FEC employer search for Paul Weiss variants (Paul Weiss, Paul, Weiss, Paul Weiss Rifkind). 34 unique donors identified across 100+ contribution records. The firm's political giving is 98%+ Democratic. This is significant because PW's 2025 deal with Trump (M pro bono) was perceived as capitulation, leading to partner departures. Key recipients: DCCC, DSCC, DNC, ActBlue, multiple NY/NJ/GA Democratic candidates. Zero donations found to Trump-affiliated committees from any PW partner.

Epstein acted as recruiter/headhunter for Paul Weiss. Dec 29-30 2015: Epstein negotiated partner compensation with Karp for an unnamed female recruit, suggesting '7 per year for 3 years' and '450 shares.' Referenced Jeff Immelt (GE CEO) also pitching the same recruit with promises to 'build a dept around her.' Epstein also noted Lorin Reisner got a signing bonus despite PW claiming they dont pay them. Suggests Epstein had deep operational influence over PW partnership decisions

SEC EDGAR reveals Paul Weiss appears as counsel in 10,000+ SEC filings across 30+ major companies. Top clients by filing count: LendingClub (296), Carnival Corp (244), MUFG (226), Agrium (209), Carnival PLC (187), Emmis Communications (163), Taylor Morrison (150), Virtu Financial (145), Ply Gem (140), Encana (102), Micky Arison (95), vTv Therapeutics (83), Caesars Entertainment (82), AMN Healthcare (80), Hemisphere Media (73), Time Warner Cable (73), CF Industries (64), TeraWulf (57), ADT (54), ADP (52), AbitibiBowater (52), Triarc/Wendys (51), Goldman Sachs Trust (50), Interline Brands (50), Las Vegas Sands (50), Apollo Global Management (48)

EDGAR EFTS full-text search for 'Paul Weiss' returns 10,000+ hits (the API maximum). Filing type distribution: 8-K (5,146), S-1 (1,838), S-4 (1,422), SC 13D (1,104), CORRESP (1,006), 6-K (886), 424B3 (788), 10-K (786), SC TO-T (650), F-10 (586), DEF 14A (583). SIC code 6770 (Blank Checks) is the most common industry, followed by 1311 (Crude Petroleum), 6798 (Real Estate Investment Trusts), 2834 (Pharmaceuticals). Geographic concentration: NY (6,105), CA (1,906), FL (1,411), TX (1,306), NJ (997). The firm's SEC footprint shows dominance in IPOs (S-1), mergers (S-4), proxy fights (SC 13D/DEF 14A), and tender offers (SC TO-T). Apollo Global Management at 48 filings confirms the investigation's known PW-Apollo relationship.

Martin Flumenbaum (PW of counsel, former litigation chair for 6 years) represents Andrew and Mark Madoff in Ponzi scheme litigation, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen (SEC dismissal), AIG, Hollinger International, JUUL Labs, XPO Logistics. Also represented Fitch Inc, Weight Watchers. Former AUSA SDNY. Monthly NYJ columnist since 1985. Columbia 1971, Harvard Law 1974. The Madoff representation is significant given PW connections to financial fraud defense.

PW Deutsche Bank representation confirmed across multiple matters: (1) LIBOR multi-regulator inquiry coordinated settlements with US and UK authorities Apr 2015, (2) CFTC investigation into USD swap rates manipulation with favorable settlement, (3) SEC investigation into structured products marketing closed without action, (4) Nearly 5-year internal investigation with 200 interviews of 50+ employees and review of 158M electronic documents, (5) Tax shelter investigation settled for 533M. Jessica Carey (PW co-head of litigation) handles DB LIBOR antitrust class action. DB is one of PWs most substantial banking relationships.

DOJ corpus reveals social integration between Epstein and PW leadership. EFTA02492648 (Jul 17, 2015): Epstein invited Larry Summers to dinner with Brad Karp and Woody Allen on Tuesday at 7:30, vouching that Karp would be a good person for you. EFTA02218781 (Jul 11, 2017): Karp personally visited Epstein at 9 East 71st Street for 2:30pm meeting. EFTA02237151 (Jan 31, 2018): Epstein invited Karp to come at 6:45pm, told to be fluid. EFTA02253155 (Aug 9, 2018): Karp told Epstein something and Epstein said yes, we will see you soon. EFTA02631714 (Mar 2, 2019): Epstein wrote to Karp will need tough civil attny -- 4 months before arrest. This pattern shows Karp was a regular social visitor at 9E71st and a personal advisor, not merely outside counsel.

DOJ email EFTA02392662 (Sep 29, 2015): Kathy Ruemmler (former Obama WH Counsel, Latham and Watkins partner) recommended Laura Menninger to Epstein, saying: Ask Karp if he remembers her from when she was at Paul Weiss. Menninger (then at Haddon Morgan Foreman) later became Ghislaine Maxwell defense counsel in SDNY criminal case. This reveals: (1) Ruemmler was recruiting defense attorneys for Epstein as early as 2015, (2) Menninger had prior PW affiliation that Karp would recognize, (3) The defense attorney who would represent Maxwell was identified through the Ruemmler-Karp-Epstein triangle. EFTA00333357 (Dec 14, 2015): Ada Clapp (Chief Legal Officer, Elysium Management LLC/Black family) coordinated with Paul Weiss on an Epstein conference call, noting she was trying to coordinate with Paul Weiss and mentioning Alan and Brad F.

DugganUSA reveals Elysium Management LLC (Leon Black's family office at 445 Park Ave Suite 1401, NYC) used Paul Weiss as outside counsel and coordinated directly with PW on Epstein matters. EFTA00333357 (Dec 14, 2015): Ada Clapp (Elysium CLO) told Lesley Groff she was 'trying to coordinate with Paul Weiss on this' for an Epstein conference call, mentioning PW partners Alan [Halperin] and Brad F. [Finkelstein]. EFTA02716718: Elysium and 'APO1 Trust' executed an Administrative Services Agreement, with drafts sent to Epstein. EFTA02633885: Joseph Vinciguerra (Elysium Tax Director) sent Epstein '2016 Avioneta Tax Re[turn]' copying Brad Wechsler.

The Elysium-PW-Epstein triangle is critical: Elysium Management LLC was Leon Black's personal family office (distinct from Apollo). Ada Clapp as CLO coordinated PW attorneys for Epstein calls. The APO1 Trust Administrative Services Agreement with Elysium sent to Epstein confirms Epstein had oversight or involvement in Black's trust structures. Joseph Vinciguerra (Elysium tax counsel) and Richard Joslin (Elysium CFO) both communicated directly with Epstein on financial/tax matters. The conference call coordination shows PW partners Alan Halperin (estate) and Brad Finkelstein both involved.

Alan Halperin (PW partner, co-chair Personal Representation) was Epsteins primary estate planning attorney at PW. Band 1 Chambers for trusts and estates since 1995. Columbia Law 1985, Penn BSE 1982. NYU adjunct professor of taxation. Fellow American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. DOJ emails show Halperin drafted 2013 Will and Revocable Trust (EFTA02707648), prepared estate presentation schematic Oct 2016 (EFTA02449062), handled sales tax matters (EFTA02519958), and coordinated with Deloitte. Halperin also appeared in Apollo tax compliance work for all three co-founders Form 8865 matter.

DOJ email corpus reveals key PW partners involved in Epstein matters. Alan S. Halperin (PW estate planning partner) handled Epstein estate/trust work from at least 2012-2016 including: 2013 Will and Revocable Trust drafting (EFTA02707648), sales tax consultations with Deloitte (EFTA02519958), estate decanting questions (EFTA02671779), and a 'Revised Estate Presentation' with family office computations (EFTA02449062). Brad R. Okun (PW partner) handled what appears to be tax/IRS matters (EFTA02342484, re 'finding of no reasonable cause' Jan 2017). Greg Ezring (PW) made direct phone calls to Epstein's staff (EFTA02582807). Richard D'Agostino tracked PW legal invoices (EFTA02711770, Dec 2014). Colin Kelly (PW UK) was connected to Epstein on UK/Phaidon matters (EFTA01916376, Jul 2014).

The DOJ corpus reveals Paul Weiss involvement with Epstein across multiple practice areas: (1) Estate planning — Halperin handled trust structuring, tax computations. (2) Tax — Okun on IRS reasonable cause determinations. (3) Corporate/M&A — Brad Karp on Leon Black matters. (4) UK operations — Colin Kelly on UK-related matters. (5) Billing — D'Agostino tracked PW invoices separately from other counsel, suggesting substantial billings. (6) The critical EFTA02667959 (Nov 30, 2016) email shows Epstein writing to BOTH Brad Karp AND Leon Black: 'brad, can you tell me who is paying whom for what. aiken, deloitte pwc. paul weiss.' This suggests Epstein was auditing/tracking the advisory fees and that Karp was simultaneously advising Epstein and Black.

Loretta Lynch (83rd US Attorney General 2015-2017) joined PW as litigation partner in May 2019. First African-American woman to serve as AG. Notable PW representations include BlackRock internal investigation, McDonald Corp racial discrimination, Syracuse University, North Carolina State NCAA, Fortune 50 energy company discrimination. Band 1 Chambers white collar. Her presence gives PW extraordinary government access and credibility in DOJ matters. She also co-chaired NY State Bar diversity task force and NY AG reproductive rights task force.

PW firm website reveals client network: represents 8 of 10 top global PE firms including Apollo, Blackstone, KKR, TPG, Carlyle, Warburg Pincus, General Atlantic, Ares, Bain, Stone Point plus 50 others. Corporate clients include Chevron, IBM, Amazon, GE, Qualcomm, WWE, Kraft Heinz, Merck. Bank clients include Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS, Credit Suisse. Over 1200 transactions and over 2 trillion in M&A value since 2020.

LittleSis entity 49188 reveals PW network connections: clients include ExxonMobil, AIPAC, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (403K in 2017 for legal/research), Viking Global Investors, Beowulf Energy, Signature Bank, KPS Capital Partners, Isaac and Laura Perlmutter Foundation (27.7K in 2013), PREPA Ad Hoc Group, Ad Hoc GO Bondholders. Also briefly represented Sam Bankman-Fried (Nov 2022). Notable current/former people: Jeh Johnson (DHS Secretary), Loretta Lynch (AG), Jonathan Kanter (DOJ Antitrust), Damian Williams (SDNY USA), Roberta Kaplan, Mark Pomerantz, David Solomon (pre-Goldman), Neera Tanden, Laura Menninger (later Ghislaine Maxwell defense). LDA registrant ID: 30930.

PW provided 403K in legal and research services to Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) in 2017 per LittleSis. FDD is a hawkish pro-Israel think tank. PW historically represented the Government of Israel in FARA filings 1965-66. PW also client of AIPAC per LittleSis. PW partner Brad Karp co-chaired campus antisemitism letter campaign (Nov 2023) to law school deans broadening antisemitism definition to include criticism of Israel. This Israel advocacy pattern connects to the broader investigation threads on Israeli intelligence and Mega Group networks.

PW white collar defense client list from firm website: ExxonMobil (climate/SEC/NY AG 1.6B), Citigroup (ADIA 7.5B arbitration, Parmalat 30B, Terra Firma, AML probe), Deutsche Bank (LIBOR multi-regulator, swap rates, structured products), JPMorgan (Asia hiring FCPA, derivatives), Goldman Sachs (1B CDO securities class action), Morgan Stanley (Treasury bid-rigging), UBS (municipal bond bid-rigging), Credit Suisse (Archegos), 21st Century Fox (Ailes/O-Reilly), NFL (concussion litigation), Amazon, Ripple Labs. Also represented SAC Capital/Steven Cohen, Leon Cooperman, Michael Milken, Scooter Libby, Eliot Spitzer.

Ted Wells Jr (PW co-chair litigation) represents nexus of PW power clients: ExxonMobil (climate 1.6B verdict win), Citigroup (Terra Firma trial, Parmalat 364M counterclaim win, ADIA 7.5B arbitration win), Deutsche Bank (LIBOR), JPMorgan (Asia FCPA), NFL (concussion settlement), 21st Century Fox (Ailes/O-Reilly), Merck (Vioxx/Vytorin), Bank of America (Merrill Lynch), Morgan Stanley, SAC Capital, Scooter Libby, Michael Milken. Harvard Law/HBS dual 1976. Fellow of Harvard Corporation. Chairman Emeritus NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Brad Karp was relationship partner on multiple Wells matters.

Kannon Shanmugam (PW partner, co-chair litigation, chair Washington office, chair Supreme Court appellate practice) has argued 39 SCOTUS cases. Clerked for Justice Scalia. Former Assistant Solicitor General. Clients include ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Mastercard, Bank of America, AstraZeneca, Coinbase, NFL, Henry Schein, CNA. Won Seila Law v CFPB (invalidated CFPB structure). Overturned 13B securities class action cert. He gives PW unmatched appellate firepower for its corporate clients.

Roberto Gonzalez (PW partner, Washington DC) co-chairs economic sanctions and AML practice. Former Obama associate White House counsel, founding employee and principal deputy GC of CFPB, Treasury deputy GC (received Treasury Medal from Jacob Lew). Clients include top-5 global banks, Citigroup, Shinhan Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, BlackRock, Binance, major fintech companies. Stanford Law 2003, Duke 2000. Clerked for Justice Stevens (SCOTUS) and Judge Calabresi (2d Cir). His combined White House/Treasury/CFPB background makes him key for PW financial regulatory work.

Jessica Carey (PW partner, co-head litigation) handles key financial institution defense: Credit Suisse Archegos investigation (special committee), TD Bank AML resolutions, Citigroup global AML, Deutsche Bank LIBOR, JPMorgan, Glencore, Virtu Financial, Shinhan Bank, J&J. Law360 Banking and White Collar MVP. Fordham Law 2003, Boston College 1999. She is the operational lead on many of PWs most sensitive banking defense matters currently.

FL SunBiz records show Sunflower Properties Inc (P16061), a Delaware foreign profit corp registered in FL Sept 23, 1987, with principal address 'C/O Jeffrey B. Samuels, Paul, Weiss, et al, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10019'. Jeffrey B. Samuels was a Paul Weiss real estate partner. The entity became inactive after last filing Apr 20, 1988 (less than 1 year of FL activity). No EIN recorded.

This is the only corporate registration found in our registry.db that directly references the Paul Weiss law firm address. Sunflower Properties as a Delaware corp registered in Florida through PW's real estate partner Samuels in 1987-88 is consistent with the firm's extensive real estate practice. No other Paul Weiss LLP registrations were found in FL, NY, NM, CO, DC, or CA corporate registries — law firm LLPs are typically registered only in their state of formation (NY). Address search for 1285 Avenue of the Americas timed out (large dataset).

FARA records document 5 Paul Weiss registrations spanning 1963-2002, representing 14 foreign principals across 8 countries. Foreign clients: Government of Israel (1965-1966), Government of Morocco (1963), Government of Poland (1990), Government of Botswana (1987-1989), NEC/Nippon Electric (Japan, 1982-1996 across 3 registrations), Hyundai Heavy Industries (S. Korea, 1987-1989), Samsung Ship Building (S. Korea, 1986-1988), Korea Federation of Textile Industries (1985-1986), Korea Iron & Steel Assn (1985-1986), Embassy of Republic of Korea (1995-2000), Korea Telecom (1995-2001), Consolidated Gold Fields PLC (UK, 1988-1989), Le Groupe du Soleil (Canada, 1991-1992), Canadian Pulp & Paper Assn (1991-1992), Grupo Empresarial Agricola Mexicano (1992-1993).

The FARA history reveals three phases: (1) Cold War era (1963-66): Government representation for Israel and Morocco — both sensitive geopolitical clients. (2) Trade defense era (1982-1990): Heavy Korean industrial representation (4 principals), Japanese electronics (NEC), British mining (Consolidated Gold Fields during Minorco hostile takeover), Polish government (post-Communist transition). (3) Telecom/trade era (1991-2002): Korean telecom/government, Canadian lumber/trade disputes, Mexican agriculture (NAFTA era). The Government of Israel representation in 1965 is the earliest FARA registration and places the firm in Israel advocacy during the pre-Six Day War period. All registrations are terminated by 2002, suggesting the firm moved to unregistered foreign work or stopped foreign principal work entirely. Notable: the Korean representation is the deepest — 6 separate Korean principals across 16 years.

Lewis A. Kaplan (SDNY judge since 1994, former PW partner per LittleSis) presided over both Giuffre v. Maxwell trial AND USVI v. JPMorgan settlement. As former PW partner, Kaplan has institutional connections to the firm that was simultaneously representing JPMorgan against Epstein victim claims AND whose chairman Karp was corresponding with Epstein. No recusal occurred. This is not evidence of misconduct but represents a remarkable structural conflict in how Epstein-related cases were adjudicated.

LDA lobbying records reveal Paul Weiss operated as both a registered lobbying firm (1999-2000) and hired external lobbyists. As registrant: lobbied for IBP ($180K), SkyBridge LP ($100K), Natl Music Publishers Assn ($60K), CGFNS ($40K), Intelsat ($40K), Devereux Foundation ($40K), SpaceData ($10K), Owens-Corning, Coalition of Utility Cos, General Atlantic Service Corp. As client: hired Ernst & Young/Washington Council (2001-2002, $220K total) for own lobbying needs, hired ACG Advocacy (2019-2021, $600K+) on behalf of Qualcomm, and hired SKDKNICKERBOCKER (2019, $490K) on behalf of Carlos Ghosn.

Three distinct lobbying patterns: (1) Paul Weiss as direct registrant in 1999-2000 — predominantly meat industry (IBP, later acquired by Tyson), telecom (Intelsat), media (NMPA), and utilities. (2) Paul Weiss hiring lobbyists for itself — Ernst & Young Washington Council in 2001-2002 for unspecified advocacy. (3) Paul Weiss hiring lobbyists on behalf of clients — ACG Advocacy for Qualcomm antitrust issues (K/quarter, 2019-2021) and SKDKNICKERBOCKER for Ghosn media campaign (K in 2019 alone). The Qualcomm lobbying coincides with Broadcom hostile takeover defense (2019). The SkyBridge LP client is notable — SkyBridge Capital is Anthony Scaramucci's firm.

PW drafted the service agreement between Leon Black and Epstein. Jan 14 2013: Eileen Alexanderson told Epstein 'Leon gave me the go to wire funds to you. Two things: I have a service agreement letter that Paul Weiss drafted which I dont think you have seen.' Epstein directed payment to Financial Trust Company at JPM. Shows PW formalized the Black-Epstein financial advisory relationship

PW prepared Leon Black's 2013 Will and Revocable Trust drafts. Jul 8 2013: Ada Clapp (Elysium CLO) sent Epstein detailed summary, bullet point summary, and 'Flow Chart-2013 Proposed Plan' schematic — all prepared by Paul Weiss. Clapp asked Epstein which summaries to send to Leon. Epstein thus had access to Black's complete estate plan before Black himself reviewed it

Colin Kelly, PW London office partner, worked on Phaidon (UK publisher) tax structure for Leon Black. Jul 22 2014 email from Eileen Alexanderson (Black Family Partners/Apollo): 'Colin Kelly Paul Weiss (UK) + Brad Okun (US), john Murphy the Phaidon CFO has separately consulted with BDO Seidman.' Shows PW London office directly engaged on Black/Epstein matters, with Epstein driving the 'dialog toward a structure to accommodate our tax considerations'

PW represented Caesars Entertainment Corporation in Danner v. Caesars Entertainment (SDNY, 1:14-cv-07973, securities fraud 15:77, filed Oct 2014, terminated Oct 2017, Judge Jed Rakoff). Lewis Richard Clayton was lead PW attorney. Case involved CEOC restructuring-era bond fraud claims by bondholders. Paul Weiss was defending CEC while simultaneously counseling Apollo (CEC parent) and being accused of conflict of interest in CEOC bankruptcy (Case 15-01145). This is the securities fraud counterpart to the bankruptcy adversary proceeding.

Lorin Reisner, PW litigation partner, co-managed the Nardello intelligence operations with Karp on behalf of Epstein. Received transcripts of covert recordings and surveillance reports. Aug 24 2015: Nardello sent Karp and Reisner 'rough draft of a transcript of the client lunch with GG' — a recorded meeting. Epstein responded asking about 'surveillance? report also bill to date?' Oct 19 2015: another transcript sent after Four Seasons meeting. Reisner also received signing bonus that Epstein referenced in negotiations

Brad Wechsler (IMAX) emailed Epstein Sep 10 2015 about airplane depreciation: 'Consensus (including paul weiss) seems to be s/l because we dont get benefit of accelerated because of AMT. Rich will discuss with alan d tomorrow.' Shows PW provided ongoing tax guidance on Black's aircraft through the Wechsler channel, with Epstein receiving updates on PW positions

DugganUSA EFTA02486065 (Sep 23, 2015): Epstein asked Karp if Paul Weiss could defend in a potential lawsuit, inquiring about divorce experience, referencing Benjamin Wey indictment and stating the girl will get nothing. This reveals Epstein considering PW for personal defense counsel in anticipation of civil lawsuits, including potential divorce-related matters, as early as September 2015. EFTA02398439 (Aug 19, 2017): Barry J. Cohen email chain shows PW alongside Sullivan and Cromwell and EY reviewing Black family estate/tax planning. Cohen states: We think we have examined it extremely carefully. Ada, Paul Weiss, S&C. Epstein critiqued the quality of tax advice being received and demanded a senior tax advisor. This email chain reveals PW was one of three major firms (PW, S&C, EY) doing estate/tax planning for Leon Black family, with Epstein serving as quality control.

Richard J. Bronstein, PW tax partner, directly corresponded with Epstein on Leon Black tax strategy. Dec 12 2015 privileged exchange analyzed selling Black's business to employee/brother-in-law for tax loss. Bronstein warned IRS would reject: 'we will face ugly choice between settling by giving up 40-60% of loss or going to Tax Court, which will result in embarrassing article in the Wall Street Journal'

Brad J. Finkelstein, PW finance partner, participated in Dec 14 2015 conference call with Epstein, arranged through Lesley Groff and Ada Clapp (Elysium Management). Finkelstein (bfinkelstein@paulweiss.com) coordinated with Halperin on Epstein matters. Also CC'd on Dec 13 2015 promissory note review where Epstein provided detailed legal analysis of loan terms between Black and an unidentified noteholder

Kathy Ruemmler told Epstein Jan 25 2016: 'Ted Wells called. Kind of an odd conversation. For discussion.' Ted Wells was PW co-chair/litigation legend. The fact that (1) Wells called Ruemmler directly and (2) Ruemmler reported it to Epstein as unusual shows the extent of Epstein's visibility into PW's senior leadership activities. Context: Ruemmler was being recruited/courted by Epstein for various firms

Karp resignation details: Emails released by DOJ show Karp and Epstein communicated through 2019 (year of Epsteins death). In Jun 2016 Karp asked Epstein to help get his son a job on a Woody Allen film. In 2019 Karp reviewed and offered advice on a draft filing related to Epsteins plea deal fight. PW position was always that PW and Karp never represented Epstein. The plea deal filing advice directly contradicts this. Karp said recent reporting created a distraction. He remains at firm as partner focusing on client service.

DOJ email corpus reveals Paul Weiss served as Epstein personal estate planning and tax counsel (not just Apollo counsel). Key PW partners: (1) Alan S. Halperin -- estate planning, trust restructuring, sales tax, decanting. Direct Epstein emails 2012-2016. (2) Brad R. Okun -- UK tax structure for Phaidon (Leon Black art publisher), tax/corporate work. (3) Brad S. Karp -- chairman, intelligence broker, Apollo/Athene restructuring, personal matters. (4) Heather Gray -- tax research on art trade-in credits. (5) Greg Ezring -- phone calls returned. (6) Colin Kelly -- Paul Weiss UK office, Phaidon tax structure. PW drafted 2013 Will and Revocable Trust. PW prepared estate presentation schematic Oct 2016. PW billed Epstein separately from Apollo work (EFTA02711770 shows legal invoices paid/unpaid). Epstein planned re-org meetings at PW offices Apr 2015.

Brad R. Okun, PW tax partner, directly emailed Epstein Jan 16 2017 about '6 year limitation on tax assessments' for Leon Black. Discussed IRC 6501(c) special provision for information returns. Okun asked Epstein to discuss this with 'Leon and Brad W'. Shows Epstein integrated into PW's tax advisory chain beyond Karp

Barry J. Cohen (Black family office executive) Aug 19 2017 listed PW among the advisory firms working on Black's planning: 'We think we have examined it extremely carefully. Ada, Paul Weiss, S&C.' Sullivan & Cromwell also advising on estate planning. Epstein responded criticizing the advisory team and insisting Black hire 'a senior tax advisor' for M+/year, calling the existing team 'childish' and saying 'I asked who at Paul Weiss is giving 1040 advice'

LDA lobbying filings show Paul Weiss (registrant ID 30930, contact Elizabeth McCabe) registered as lobbying firm with diverse client portfolio. Historical clients found: Owens-Corning (terminated 1999), Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (immigration lobbying, 1999, income 20K), Skybridge Ltd Partnership MD (1999, income 40K). Named lobbyists include Carl W. Hampe and John R. Ratigan. Lobbied House, Senate, and BCIS on immigration issues. Combined with known Ghosn lobbying (2018-2020, 240K) and FARA registrations (Israel 1965, Morocco 1963, Poland 1990, NEC/Japan 1982-96, Samsung/Korea 1985-2001, Botswana 1987-89), Paul Weiss has a decades-long government relations practice that extends well beyond standard corporate litigation.

CourtListener search reveals Paul Weiss as defendant in Murray v. Paul Weiss (S.D. Tex., 4:22-cv-01632, filed May 2022, nature: 890 Other Statutory Actions) — Chapter 7 trustee Christopher R. Murray sued for fraudulent transfer recovery (548). Also defendant in Murray v. Paul Weiss (Bankr. S.D. Tex., 22-06036, same case). Terminated Jan 2023. This was an adversary proceeding in the energy sector bankruptcy of likely a former client. Also defendant in Wolf v. Paul Weiss (SDNY, 1:18-cv-05029, filed Jun 2018, nature: 430 Banking, Judge Preska, terminated Jul 2018) and MIG Inc. v. Paul Weiss (SDNY, 1:09-cv-05593, diversity-contract, dismissed Mar 2010). Paul Weiss was plaintiff/movant in Paul Weiss v. R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (SDNY, 1:25-mc-00371, Aug 2025 — motion to quash subpoena for client documents).

Laura Menninger (later Ghislaine Maxwell defense attorney at Haddon Morgan) is former PW attorney per LittleSis. Kathy Ruemmler emailed Epstein on Sep 29 2015 (EFTA02392662) saying This is who I am thinking about. Ask Karp if he remembers her from when she was at Paul Weiss with link to Menninger profile at HMF law. Ruemmler was recommending a former PW lawyer to Epstein through Karp. Menninger would later defend Ghislaine Maxwell at trial in SDNY before Judge Nathan. The PW connection between Menninger and Karp predates her Maxwell defense work.

EFTA02392662 (Sep 29, 2015): Kathy Ruemmler emailed Epstein a link to Laura Menninger's profile at Haddon Morgan & Foreman, saying 'This is who I am thinking about. Ask Karp if he remembers her from when she was at Paul Weiss.' Menninger, a former PW attorney, later became Ghislaine Maxwell's defense counsel in the criminal trial (US v. Maxwell, SDNY 20-cr-330). This means Epstein's inner circle was networking former PW lawyers for defense work years before Maxwell's arrest, and Ruemmler specifically recommended a PW alumna for an undisclosed purpose.

The timing (September 2015) is significant: this precedes the 2019 Epstein arrest and 2020 Maxwell arrest by years. Ruemmler was a former White House Counsel and at this time was a close Epstein adviser. The fact that she told Epstein to 'ask Karp' suggests Karp was her conduit into PW's alumni network. Menninger's later role defending Maxwell creates a through-line: PW trained lawyers who ended up on both sides of the Epstein/Maxwell cases. Menninger was also at one point associated with the Haddon firm in Denver, which has a white-collar defense focus.

PW revolving door with government is extraordinary: Loretta Lynch (AG), Jeh Johnson (DHS Secretary), Damian Williams (SDNY USA, associate 2009-2012 then partner Jan-Jun 2025), Jonathan Kanter (DOJ Antitrust chief), Mark Pomerantz (Manhattan DA senior counsel), Roberto Gonzalez (Obama White House Counsel, CFPB founding deputy GC, Treasury deputy GC), Kannon Shanmugam (clerked for Scalia, former Assistant Solicitor General). Also Lewis Kaplan (SDNY judge, former PW partner -- presided over Giuffre v Maxwell and USVI v JPMorgan). This creates an unparalleled intelligence and influence network across federal law enforcement.