Paul, Weiss - NYT, FT Coverage of Epstein Connection Presents Nothing New, So What Could Be Going On?

Legacy media is supposedly on its last leg. But certain platforms, such as The New York Times and FT, remain influential. Very recently they might have been leveraging that influence to have law firm Paul, Weiss' association with Jeffrey Epstein remain sticky. Here are the Times long form article and here is the windy recount by FT. In the analysis there seems to be nothing new.

The result could be to put a wrench in the usual crisis-management strategy for the institution to lay low and stay out of headlines. Eventually, goes standard reputational rehab wisdom, the scrutiny will lift. The constituencies which count will forget. And attention will move on to other institutions feeling the heat. 

At risk, if the intense focus continues, is plenty for Paul, Weiss. That ranges from new business development to the continued presence of former chair Brad Karp as partner to retention/recruitment of stars. Just yesterday it was announced that two Intellectual Property partners exited Paul, Weiss for Dechert.

Could the journalists' current interest reach back to how Paul, Weiss approached the threat of an expose published about the dealings of one of its key clients - Apollo? It is customary for a law firm to aggressively advocate for the clients' interest. Investigative reporters Sujeep Indap and Max Frumes were preparing a book, which became a best-seller, "The Caesars Palace Coup." Indap was and still is employed at FT.

In response to the possibility of that expose involving Apollo being published, Paul, Weiss did what is typical of large powerful law firms: It warned the authors as well as the publisher that the venture could involve defamation. 

Other journalists jumped in and lambasted such a threat. That included a high-profile push-back by Vanity Fair. In addition, the criticism was kept alive. For example, in the expose on Big Law "Servants of the Damned" Times investigative journalist David Enrich devoted several pages to that. He also authored the recent Times article. My response on the Times platform to that article was selected as a "Readers Pick." 

In lines of work in which professionals don't earn much money there can be fierce cohesion and passion. In using the usual lawyer methods to deter Indap and Frumes from publishing what could position Apollo negatively did Paul, Weiss put its own future at risk? Media platforms continue to shape institutional reputations. Relationships with journalists matter.

Is the takeaway here that lawyers have to review the traditional fierce advocacy for clients? In my coaching, I guide the ambitious how to be self-protective in dealing with the powerful. In my corporate days I had witnessed too many careers destroyed by misguided loyalty.  

Earning a Good Living in 2026 Involves Mental Combat. The enemy is usually your own thinking.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Solid Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.