Kathryn Ruemmler is an experienced American attorney whose career has moved between public service and high-level corporate leadership. Born on April 19, 1971, she became widely known during her time in the Obama administration, where she served as White House Counsel after previously holding the role of principal deputy counsel.
Over the years, she built a reputation in the legal field, particularly in regulatory and compliance matters, before transitioning into the private sector. In 2020, she joined Goldman Sachs and later rose to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel.
In early 2026, she stepped down from her corporate role following public scrutiny tied to broader legal controversies, bringing renewed attention to her long career in government and finance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her professional path, personal background, and the key moments that shaped her public profile.
Kathryn Ruemmler Resigns From Goldman Sachs After Public Scrutiny Over Epstein-Linked Communications
Kathy Ruemmler is resigning as chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs amid increased scrutiny of her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. https://t.co/NuFPN3jan5 pic.twitter.com/NKTXTiOHWy
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) February 13, 2026
Kathryn H. Ruemmler, the former Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs, announced her resignation on February 12, 2026, after a series of communications came to light showing she exchanged emails with individuals associated with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
According to media reports and legal sources, these messages raised questions about her professional judgment, prompting discussions within the firm and among industry observers. Goldman Sachs confirmed her departure, saying the company and Ruemmler agreed it was best for her to step down as the situation continued to draw public attention.
Ruemmler had held top legal roles both in the private sector and in government, most notably serving as White House Counsel during the Obama administration before joining Goldman Sachs in 2020. Her resignation marks a notable shift in a high-profile legal career as investors, regulators, and legal experts weigh the broader implications of the disclosures.
Early Life, Education & Parents
Kathryn Ruemmler was born on April 19, 1971, in Richland, Washington. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she developed a strong work ethic and curiosity about how law and policy shape society. She attended Richland High School, where she pursued academic studies that foreshadowed her future interests in leadership and justice.
After high school, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, deepening her understanding of government and law. She later attended Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., one of the country’s leading law schools. There, she gained training that would become the foundation for her professional legal career.
Personal Life, Husband & Relationships
Kathryn tends to keep her private life out of the spotlight. While she has shared professional accomplishments publicly, she maintains privacy around her family and personal relationships. There is no widely published information about a spouse or long-term partner, which suggests she prefers to focus public attention on her work rather than her life outside the office.
This private approach has allowed her to navigate major career milestones with a clear focus on professional goals and responsibilities.
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White House Career
Kathryn’s name became familiar to many during her time in the Obama administration. She served first as principal deputy White House counsel, a role that placed her close to legal decision-making in the executive branch. Later, she was appointed White House Counsel, serving from 2011 to 2014.
In this position, she advised the President and senior staff on legal matters affecting national policy, executive actions, and legislative priorities. This role required not just legal expertise, but also the ability to work across branches of government and manage delicate political and constitutional questions.
Her service in the White House helped establish her as one of the nation’s respected legal minds in government work.
Private Sector & Goldman Sachs Role
After her time in public service, Kathryn transitioned into private practice as a partner at Latham & Watkins, where she co-chaired the firm’s white-collar defense group. This work involved advising companies and executives on compliance, investigations, and regulatory challenges.
In 2020, she took a major step into global finance law by joining Goldman Sachs as a Partner and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs. Over the next few years, she continued advancing and was promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, making her one of the top legal executives at the firm.
In these roles, she managed legal strategy for a global business navigating a complicated and evolving regulatory landscape.
Resignation & Recent Developments
In early 2026, Kathryn Ruemmler resigned from her position at Goldman Sachs. The decision followed public scrutiny of broader legal connections brought to light by investigations tied to longstanding controversies. While she did not face criminal charges, the high level of scrutiny prompted her departure from the firm.
Her resignation marked a significant shift in an otherwise distinguished corporate legal career, and it sparked renewed discussion about the responsibilities of legal leadership in major financial institutions.
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Net Worth, Ethnicity & Religion
Kathryn H. Ruemmler has built a long and successful career in law and corporate leadership, and this is reflected in her estimated financial standing. Based on available financial data from stock holdings and executive compensation, her estimated net worth is at least around $17.5 million as of late 2025, including stock assets from her time as a senior legal executive at Goldman Sachs.
Ruemmler is American by nationality and was born and raised in Richland, Washington, giving her deep roots in the U.S. legal and political landscape. While she has not publicly focused on her religious beliefs, her professional life centers on law, public service, and corporate governance rather than personal faith disclosure. Details about her ethnicity have not been widely shared, as she generally keeps her private background out of the spotlight.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Kathryn H. Ruemmler |
|---|---|
| Born | April 19, 1971 |
| Age | 54 years |
| Birthplace | Richland, Washington, USA |
| Education | University of Washington; Georgetown University Law Center |
| Early Work | White House Counsel (2011–2014) |
| Private Sector | Partner at Latham & Watkins; Chief Legal Officer at Goldman Sachs |
| Recent Update | Resigned from Goldman Sachs (Feb 12, 2026) |
| Profession | Attorney, Legal Executive |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Kathryn Ruemmler?
A: Kathryn Ruemmler is an American attorney who served as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama and later became a senior legal executive at Goldman Sachs.
Q: How old is Kathryn Ruemmler?
A: She was born on April 19, 1971, making her 54 years old in 2026.
Q: What roles did she hold in the White House?
A: She served as principal deputy White House counsel and later as White House Counsel.
Q: Why did she resign from Goldman Sachs?
A: She resigned in February 2026 amid public scrutiny over legal associations tied to broader controversies.
Q: Where did she study law?
A: She earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
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