It is reported that Goldman Sachs' chief legal counsel has had years of interactions with Epstein and is rumored to be arranged for retirement within the year

The Wall Street Journal reported that Kathryn Ruemmler, the Chief Legal Officer who joined Goldman Sachs (GS.US) in 2020, disclosed to the company's senior management her connections with the late wealthy businessman and "Hitler-level pimp" Jeffrey Epstein, but Goldman Sachs was unaware of the details of their relationship at the time. She has now become a hot potato for Goldman Sachs.

At 54 years old, Ruemmler is also a senior advisor to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon. The report states that when she joined, she informed Goldman Sachs management that she had business dealings with Epstein while working as a white-collar crime defense attorney at Latham & Watkins. However, later public information revealed that she had met with Epstein dozens of times and exchanged friendly emails for many years.

The report mentioned that in 2019, when Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking, Ruemmler was present in the courtroom. Additionally, in Epstein's latest will dated January 18, 2019, he listed Ruemmler as one of the executors until he removed her name before his death on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial in prison.

The closeness of their relationship has sparked scrutiny within Goldman Sachs. The report cites sources familiar with the matter who revealed that John Rogers, the executive who brought Ruemmler to Goldman Sachs, recently told several close friends that he is drafting an emergency plan to have Ruemmler leave later this year. This move aims to distance her departure from the exposure of the Epstein scandal, allowing her to exit as gracefully as possible.

Rogers stated in a statement that this is completely untrue.

The report cites one of the insiders saying that Solomon was not involved in this plan. Solomon issued a statement indicating that Ruemmler is an outstanding Chief Legal Officer who has always received support from the entire leadership team and the board.

Goldman Sachs stated that it understands the nature of Ruemmler's previous work as a criminal defense attorney. Goldman Sachs spokesperson Tony Fratto said that executives within Goldman Sachs who needed to understand Ruemmler's prior interactions with Epstein have been informed of the necessary information, and Goldman Sachs has never questioned her honesty.

Fratto added that before accepting Goldman Sachs' job offer, she proactively disclosed her relationships with Epstein and other high-profile clients and contacts that could attract media attention, so the company would be aware. Goldman Sachs also conducted its own due diligence and was satisfied. No one involved in hiring Ruemmler expressed concerns about her previous legal work.

In a statement to The Wall Street Journal, Ruemmler said that she had professional dealings with Epstein, and her job was to deal with individuals and companies facing serious legal and public relations issues. Many of them were under criminal investigation, and many had already been convicted. As she has stated, she regrets knowing him and deeply sympathizes with the victims of Epstein's crimes