Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kathryn Ruemmler

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kathryn Ruemmler made an impact.

Kathryn Ruemmler is an attorney who served as Principal Deputy White House Counsel and later as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama. After her time in the White House, she became a partner at Latham and Watkins, co-chairing the white-collar defense group. In 2020, Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs as a Partner and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs. She was subsequently promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in 2021.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1996: Clerked for Judge Timothy K. Lewis

In 1996, Kathryn Ruemmler clerked for Judge Timothy K. Lewis on the Third Circuit.

1997: Clerked for Judge Timothy K. Lewis

In 1997, Kathryn Ruemmler clerked for Judge Timothy K. Lewis on the Third Circuit.

2000: Associate Counsel to President Clinton

In 2000, Kathryn Ruemmler became Associate Counsel to President Clinton.

2001: Associate Counsel to President Clinton and Federal Prosecutor

In 2001, Kathryn Ruemmler was Associate Counsel to President Clinton and became a federal prosecutor.

2006: Closing Argument in Enron Trial

In 2006, Kathryn Ruemmler delivered the government's closing argument in the trial of former Enron executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling, both of whom were convicted.

2007: Left Federal Prosecutor Position

In 2007, Kathryn Ruemmler left her position as a federal prosecutor, finishing as a deputy director of DOJ's Enron Task Force.

2007: Returned to Latham as Partner

In 2007, Kathryn Ruemmler returned to Latham in Washington, D.C., this time as a partner.

January 2009: Joined Obama Administration

In January 2009, Kathryn Ruemmler joined the Obama Administration as principal associate deputy attorney general at the Justice Department.

May 2014: Stepping Down as White House Counsel

In May 2014, Kathryn Ruemmler announced that she would be stepping down as White House Counsel.

July 2014: Returned to Private Practice

In July 2014, Kathryn Ruemmler returned to private practice.

September 2014: Speculation as Attorney General Candidate

In September 2014, after Attorney General Eric Holder announced his intention to step down, Kathryn Ruemmler was speculated as a potential candidate for the position.

2020: Joined Goldman Sachs

In 2020, Kathryn Ruemmler became a Partner and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at Goldman Sachs.

2021: Named to FINRA Board of Governors

In 2021, Kathryn Ruemmler was named to the FINRA Board of Governors in a part-time position.

2021: Promotion at Goldman Sachs

In 2021, Kathryn Ruemmler was promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs.

2021: Promotion to Chief Legal Officer

In 2021, Kathryn Ruemmler was promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs.

February 12, 2026: Resignation from Goldman Sachs

On February 12, 2026, Kathryn Ruemmler resigned from her position as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.