Former White House Counsel to President Obama (2011-2014) and Goldman Sachs Chief Legal Officer (2020-2026). Maintained close ties to Jeffrey Epstein documented across hundreds of EFTA files. Epstein described her in a January 27, 2017 message (EFTA01617428) as "an arch feminist who is my great defender," adding "Hillary loves Kathy as does Obama." In the same exchange, Epstein urged an intermediary to arrange for Ruemmler to meet with Melinda Gates to "give her the other side of Jeffrey" - using her as a reputation-rehabilitation asset. Listed as a backup executor in a January 2019 version of Epstein's will.
Resigned as Goldman Sachs CLO in February 2026 after newly released EFTA emails revealed the depth of her Epstein relationship, drawing front-page coverage from CNN, NPR, PBS, and the Wall Street Journal. Also known as Kathryn Ruemmler (legal name). Cornell Law School graduate.
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Kathryn Ruemmler is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Kathryn Ruemmler is an American attorney who served as White House Counsel to President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2014. Before that, she served as Associate Counsel to President Bill Clinton from 2000 to 2001 and was a federal prosecutor involved in the Enron case. After leaving the White House, she became global co-chair of the white-collar defense and investigations practice at Latham & Watkins, where she represented high-profile corporate clients including Emirates NBD and Apple in litigation matters.
Ruemmler later served as Chief Legal Officer of Goldman Sachs from 2020 to 2026. An unverified memo in the document corpus describes her as being 'in the mix as a possible' nominee (likely for Attorney General) after departing the White House, and suggests she withdrew from consideration. Separately, a Michael Wolff book excerpt notes that Ruemmler, as 'the previous occupant of McGahn's office,' reached out to congratulate incoming White House Counsel Don McGahn and offered to serve as a resource.
Her professional work during the period captured in the documents included testifying as counsel for Emirates NBD in a $540 million fraud case brought by InfoSpan, where she argued Emirates would not have acquired source code in a joint-partnership deal like the one at issue, and the jury ultimately found in favor of the bank. She was also described as representing an inauguration day protester charged with rioting.
Epstein Connection
The documentary evidence shows an extensive and sustained email correspondence between Kathryn Ruemmler and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from at least September 2014 through June 2019. Their communications covered a wide range of topics including legal strategy, political commentary, media management, professional networking, and personal matters. Ruemmler was included as a named recipient on attorney-client privileged communications from Epstein's criminal defense attorney Martin Weinberg, suggesting she served in an advisory or legal capacity for Epstein. Epstein facilitated professional introductions for Ruemmler, including to the global head of litigation at Hogan Lovells, and offered her as a social asset at private dinners with figures like Peter Thiel and former Senator Bob Kerrey. Michael Wolff sought a 'reintroduction' to Ruemmler through Epstein for background on White House procedures while writing his Trump book. Their relationship included discussion of media strategy around a forthcoming James Patterson book about Epstein, as well as sharing and discussing interview questions posed to Epstein by journalists investigating his connections to powerful figures including Donald Trump.
Key Allegations(10)
Ruemmler maintained extensive personal and advisory email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein from at least September 2014 through June 2019, covering legal strategy, political commentary, and media management.
documentedRuemmler was included as a named recipient on attorney-client privileged communications from Epstein's criminal defense attorney Martin Weinberg, alongside Epstein and co-counsel Darren Indyke, suggesting a legal advisory role.
documentedRuemmler received attorney-client privileged materials detailing ABC News interview bullet points containing specific victim allegations of Epstein's sexual trafficking involving Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton.
documentedRuemmler was included in email discussions about a strategic plan to use Donald Trump as a counter-narrative to deflect from a forthcoming book about Epstein by James Patterson, a strategy suggested by Michael Wolff.
documentedEpstein suggested bringing Ruemmler to a private dinner with Peter Thiel and former Senator Bob Kerrey, describing her as 'former obama counsel for 5 years.'
documentedRuemmler was described in an unverified memoir-style document as having 'just left her job as White House Counsel' and being 'in the mix as a possible' nominee for a senior government position, with the implication she withdrew to work with Epstein.
allegedRuemmler received and discussed with Epstein interview questions from a Viceland journalist that explicitly referenced Trump's alleged visits to Epstein's Palm Beach estate and possible video recordings.
documentedEpstein forwarded to Ruemmler a CNN inquiry from reporter Melanie Hicken seeking pilot testimony about Bill Clinton and Donald Trump visiting Epstein's island.
documentedRuemmler discussed real estate transactions with Epstein, expressing concern about reselling a property and conditioning a close on other sales.
documentedRuemmler's lease arrangement included an $11,000 monthly payment with $8,000 reimbursed by Latham & Watkins, mentioned in an email exchange with Epstein.
documentedLegal Status
Ruemmler is not known to have been charged, convicted, or formally investigated in connection with the Epstein case. She appears extensively in Epstein's email correspondence as both a recipient of attorney-client privileged communications and a frequent personal correspondent. She is documented as having represented clients in unrelated legal matters including the Emirates NBD case and inauguration day protest cases during the same period.
Notable Statements(6)
“Uh, yeah. We will now go through a period of self-reflection and despair.”
“What if I get it and can't resell?”
“Got hired by Apple this week to do a patent trial.”
“Not confidence inspiring”
“Barf.”
“Emirates never would have acquired source code in a joint-partnership deal like the one [at issue].”
Contradictions(2)
Ruemmler reportedly stated she 'never advocated on [Epstein's] behalf with any third party' (per current description).
Ruemmler was included as a named recipient on attorney-client privileged communications from Epstein's defense attorney Martin Weinberg, was part of strategic discussions about media counter-narratives to a forthcoming James Patterson book, and Epstein described offering her presence at private dinners with figures like Peter Thiel as a social and professional asset.
Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein has been characterized in public reporting as primarily professional or limited.
The email corpus reveals a deep, multifaceted relationship spanning nearly five years (September 2014 - June 2019) that included casual social banter, political commentary, shared media articles, real estate discussions, professional networking facilitated by Epstein, and involvement in Epstein's legal strategy communications -- going well beyond a typical arm's-length professional engagement.
Key Relationships(9)
Extensive email correspondence from September 2014 through June 2019. Ruemmler was included on attorney-client privileged communications as part of Epstein's legal advisory circle. Also discussed personal matters, real estate, and political commentary. Epstein offered her as a social asset at private dinners with prominent figures.
Martin Weinberg, Epstein's criminal defense attorney, included Ruemmler as a co-recipient on attorney-client privileged communications, including materials containing victim allegations about Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton.
Darren Indyke, Epstein's attorney, was a frequent co-recipient alongside Ruemmler on attorney-client privileged emails, including the Patterson book counter-narrative strategy and RadarOnline article forward.
Michael Wolff asked Epstein for a 'reintroduction to Kathy Ruemmler' for off-the-record perspective on White House procedures for his Trump book. Wolff also provided strategic advice to Epstein on the Patterson book counter-narrative that was shared with Ruemmler.
Ruemmler served as White House Counsel to President Barack Obama. An email references Senator Obama's floor statement on Alberto Gonzales nomination, forwarded between Epstein and Ruemmler.
Epstein proposed inviting Ruemmler to a dinner with Peter Thiel, describing the gathering as casual and including other prominent figures.
Donald Trump was a frequent subject of email discussions between Ruemmler and Epstein, including forwarded news articles, legal analyses, media inquiries, interview questions, and strategic discussions. Ruemmler shared articles about Trump lawsuits and discussed potential legal developments.
Bill Clinton was referenced in email exchanges between Ruemmler and Epstein, and Ruemmler received privileged materials containing victim allegations that named Clinton.
Michael Wolff asked Epstein to introduce him to Tom Barrack in the same email in which he requested a reintroduction to Ruemmler, indicating they moved in overlapping social-professional circles facilitated by Epstein.
Timeline(28 events)
Served as Associate Counsel to President Bill Clinton (2000-2001)
Became White House Counsel to President Barack Obama (served until 2014)
Left position as White House Counsel; described as 'in the mix' for a possible senior government nomination
Epstein proposes inviting Ruemmler to a private dinner with Peter Thiel and former Senator Bob Kerrey, describing her as 'former obama counsel for 5 years'
Email exchange with Epstein referencing 'reid or governor' and a list of high-profile names including Clinton and Gordon Brown
Email about a Senate floor statement and discussion of her $11,000 monthly lease with $8,000 reimbursed by Latham & Watkins
Named recipient on attorney-client privileged email from defense attorney Martin Weinberg to Jeffrey Epstein
Email exchange regarding ABC News investigative reporter seeking off-record interview about Epstein's ties to Clinton and Trump
Received forwarded email from Michael Wolff indicating NYT and Hillary campaign are 'digging deeply' on Trump
Epstein facilitates introduction between Ruemmler and Michael Davison, global head of litigation at Hogan Lovells, through Stephen Immelt
Included in email chain with Weinberg and Indyke about strategy to counter forthcoming James Patterson book using Donald Trump as a political shield, per advice from Michael Wolff
Scheduled as first speaker at NYC career-development seminar, identified as global co-chair of white-collar defense at Latham & Watkins
Received forwarded RadarOnline article from Epstein about a lawsuit linking Trump to sexual abuse claims; email also sent to Indyke and Weinberg
Forwarded Guardian article about Trump sexual assault lawsuits to Epstein, marked as high importance
Email exchange with Epstein about LA Times report on Emirates NBD federal jury verdict
Received forwarded CNN inquiry from reporter Melanie Hicken seeking pilot testimony about Clinton and Trump visits to Epstein's island
Emailed Epstein about voluntary dismissal of Doe v. Trump case (1:16-cv-07673-RA) in Southern District of New York
Discussed real estate resale concerns with Epstein; separately informed him she was hired by Apple for a patent trial
Discussed Michael Wolff's request for off-record information about White House policy procedures for his Trump book
Email exchange with Epstein referencing Steve Bannon, Susan Rice, Michael Flynn, and Bill Clinton
Multiple email exchanges with Epstein including discussion of feminists, plutocracy, a Daily Beast article about Trump's mental health, and plans to meet for sushi
Speculated in email to Epstein that Trump would 'probably hire Dershowitz'
Sent Epstein a Lawfare article discussing legal analysis of whether a sitting president can be indicted
Emailed with Epstein about Viceland interview questions referencing Trump's alleged visits to Epstein's Palm Beach estate and possible video recordings
Received email from Epstein claiming knowledge of Trump's 'dirty' dealings and use of a fixer
Forwarded Axios article about potential recession pressure on Big Tech to Epstein
Received email from Epstein with a warning about Trump's power, addressed to 'Kathy Ruemmler'
Last documented email exchange in the corpus -- Epstein sends link about errors in Michael Wolff's new Trump book
At a Glance
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External Cross-Check
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Document Mentions
Email Mentions (35)
Kathy Ruemmler shared a link: Malevolence Tempered by Incompetence: Trump's Horrifying Executive Order on Refugees and Visas - Lawfare
Malevolence Tempered by Incompetence: Trump's Horrifying Executive Order on Refugees and Visas - Lawfare from John Heilemann's Tweet
Story on you
Former Obama lawyer nixes attorney general offer Former White House counsel turns down chance to succeed Eric Holder as attorney general By NEDRA P
Re: Skripal, Syria, And England Are All Victims Of The Globalist War On Trump I Geopolitica.RU
did you enjoy last night. . leon doesnt listen as much as he should. but he is a good guy. Im in palm beach for the weekend. next week if you like Ka
Story on you
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler has told President Barack Obama she doesn't want to be nominated for attorney general, a
Re:
Administration officials were firm that President Obama was only beginning to think about a new attorney general, but many in Washington are already f
Re: A few favors...
So...I'm doing this Trump book for a pile of money and with so far quite a bit of cooperation from them (DT called me the other day and spent 45 minut
A few favors...
So...I'm doing this Trump book for a pile of money and with so far quite a bit of cooperation from them (DT called me the other day and spent 45 minut
Re: Obama Favoring Former White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler to Succeed Holder as Attorney General - Bloomberg
http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-14/ruemmler-said-to-emerge-as-obama-favorite-for-justice-job.html
Re: Obama Favoring Former White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler to Succeed Holder as Attorney General - Bloomberg
I'm almost home. Call there in 10?
Re: Skripal, Syria, And England Are All Victims Of The Globalist War On Trump | Geopolitica.RU
did you enjoy last night. . leon doesnt listen as much as he should. but he isa good guy. Im in palm beach for the weekend. next week if you like Kath
Showing 10 of 35 emails. View all →
Schedule (50)
2014-07-18 to 2016-03-06 · 22 entries verified across multiple documents
Lunch w/Kathy Ruemmler
LUNCH w/Kathy Ruemmler
Walk over to Leon Black's office with Bill Gates, Kathy Ruemmler; Maybe Tom Pritzker
Leon Black's office
Meet Kathy Ruemmler at the Four Seasons with Bill Gates
Four Seasons
Dinner with Woody Allen, Kathy Ruemmler, and maybe Peter Thiel
Dinner with Woody Allen, Jeffrey to invite Kathy Ruemmler and Peter Thiel
Dinner with Woody Allen (JE to invite Kathy Ruemmler and Peter Thiel)
Lunch with Bob Kerrey, Peter Thiel, Kathy Ruemmler and Cass
Kathy Ruemmler to join with Ehud
Kathy Ruemmler to join Jeffrey and Ehud
Kathy Ruemmler to join you and Ehud
Meeting, Kathy Ruemmler would love to join
Appointment with Jagland (Kathy Ruemmler would love to join)
NY
Lunch w/Thorbjørn Jagland & Kathy Ruemmler
TBD Ehud Barak (Kathy Ruemmler is in NY and would love to join)
Appointment with Ehud Barak (Kathy Ruemmler would love to join)
NY
Meeting with Ehud Barak (Kathy Ruemmler would love to join)
TBD meeting with Ehud Barak (Kathy Ruemmler would love to join)
Ehud Barak (Kathy Ruemmler is in NY and would love to join)
Meeting with Ehud Barak, Kathy Ruemmler would love to join
This dossier on Kathryn Ruemmler was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.