Goldman Sachs’ general counsel Kathy Ruemmler is steering the search for her own successor after announcing a resignation tied to her past relationship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ruemmler, who joined Goldman in 2020 and became general counsel in 2021, will leave the post at month‑end but remains active in candidate interviews, sources say.

The move has stirred unease among senior bankers, who see David Solomon’s handling of the Epstein saga as divisive. Goldman’s statement defended Ruemmler, saying no one knows the job’s requirements better, while critics warned that her role could blur accountability. Deputy general counsel Michael Bosworth, a former White House lawyer, will serve as interim chief counsel in July.

Investors will watch the appointment closely, as the general counsel controls legal risk and reputational defenses that affect Goldman’s regulatory capital and client confidence. Ruemmler’s continued involvement underscores her lingering influence, while Bosworth’s interim tenure may signal a shift toward executives with government experience. The board’s next choice will shape the bank’s legal strategy amid heightened scrutiny.

The episode also revives debate over corporate governance standards when senior lawyers face personal scandals, a factor that could influence future board vetting processes.