Alan Dershowitz is a prominent Harvard Law School professor emeritus and criminal defense attorney who served as legal counsel for Jeffrey Epstein during Epstein's 2006-2008 Florida criminal case and continued advising him in subsequent litigation. The archive documents 216 emails between 2009 and 2019, which reveal extensive legal strategy coordination with Epstein's defense team. Dershowitz was himself accused of sexual misconduct by Virginia Giuffre (formerly Virginia Roberts) in a 2015 federal court filing, alleging she was trafficked to him as a minor. Giuffre's amended complaint alleged that "between 2000 and 2002, Defendant sexually abused Plaintiff on numerous occasions, including at least once in New York" and that she "had sex with Dershowitz at least 6 times, aged 16-19." These allegations became the subject of protracted litigation, including a defamation lawsuit Dershowitz filed against Giuffre's attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell. In 2016, Edwards and Cassell withdrew their allegations against Dershowitz, stating "it was a mistake to have filed sexual misconduct accusations against Dershowitz." Dershowitz has categorically and repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

A second accuser, Sarah Ransome, also alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz. In a March 2, 2019 tweet quoted in Giuffre's amended complaint, Dershowitz himself acknowledged Ransome's allegations while calling her a "perjuring accuser." He stated that she "reported that Epstein lent her out to Defendant for sex at the same time as Defendant was, at Epstein's request, representing Ransome as her lawyer." Dershowitz has denied Ransome's allegations.

Background#

Alan Morton Dershowitz is a prominent American lawyer, legal scholar, and political commentator who taught at Harvard Law School from 1964 to 2013. He became a full professor at age 28, one of the youngest in Harvard's history, and specialized in constitutional law, criminal law, and civil liberties. Dershowitz gained national prominence through his involvement in high-profile criminal cases, including his work on the defense teams for Claus von Bülow, O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson, and numerous other celebrity clients. He is a prolific author of books on law, politics, and Jewish affairs, and has been a frequent media commentator on legal issues.

Dershowitz's connection to Jeffrey Epstein first became public through his representation of Epstein during the 2006-2008 Florida criminal investigation and prosecution. Court documents show Dershowitz was part of Epstein's legal "dream team" that negotiated the controversial non-prosecution agreement with then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta. In 2019, the Miami Herald's investigation into the Acosta plea deal brought renewed scrutiny to Dershowitz's role, winning a Hillman Prize for journalism.

Introduction to Epstein

Dershowitz testified in his 2016 deposition that he was first introduced to Epstein by Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild: "I remember that the Lady Rothschild asked me to meet Jeffrey Epstein, and when Jeffrey Epstein came to meet me, he was with Ghislaine Maxwell." Dershowitz also stated: "I wrote an article about her father's death years ago," referring to Robert Maxwell.

Following this introduction, Dershowitz testified that "I then flew with Jeffrey Epstein to Leslie Wexner's 59th birthday. I was presented to Leslie Wexner. Leslie would like to get as birthday gifts interesting people that his friends had met during the year, and so I was Jeffrey Epstein's intellectual gift to Leslie Wexner." This characterization reveals the nature of Dershowitz's early social relationship with Epstein and establishes connections to Epstein's primary financial patron.

Role in the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement#

The archive contains extensive evidence of Dershowitz's direct participation in negotiating the controversial 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with federal prosecutors. Dershowitz was not merely a legal consultant but was physically present at key meetings with the U.S. Attorney's Office and received personal assurances from federal prosecutors about the NPA's terms and implementation.

Direct Participation in NPA Negotiations

A November 28, 2007 email from defense attorney Jay Lefkowitz to the U.S. Attorney's Office, copying then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, explicitly documents Dershowitz's presence at NPA negotiation meetings: "when I told you of Judge Davis's selection during our meeting last Wednesday, November 21st, you and Professor Dershowitz seemed very comfortable, and certainly not surprised, with the selection." The same email notes: "Professor Dershowitz who said he knew Mr. Josephsberg from law school." This establishes that Dershowitz was physically present at meetings with federal prosecutors during the critical final phase of NPA negotiations.

Defense team correspondence from this period shows that "US Attorney Acosta expressly represented to both Jay Lefkowitz and Alan Dershowitz that the USAO would not involve itself in these matters" regarding state sentencing decisions. The same document records: "MV intervened in the PBSO's determination as to whether or not to grant JE work release, despite assurances from US Attorney given to Jay Lefkowitz and Alan Dershowitz after JE was sentenced that the USAO would neither object to nor interfere with work release." This reveals that Acosta made personal representations directly to Dershowitz about how the NPA would be implemented, including specific commitments about non-interference with Epstein's work release privileges.

Correspondence with Prosecutors and Judges

In December 2007 letters to U.S. Attorney Acosta, Ken Starr and Jay Lefkowitz of Kirkland & Ellis repeatedly referenced Dershowitz's involvement: "We respectfully request that you review Judge Stern's letter to Alan Dershowitz, faxed to you on December 7, 2007." This shows that a judge involved in the case was corresponding directly with Dershowitz about the NPA, and that defense counsel expected prosecutors to review this correspondence as part of the negotiation process.

The same Starr/Lefkowitz letters show the defense team's coordinated strategy to characterize Epstein's conduct as consensual prostitution rather than trafficking of minors. The letters argued that "many of the masseuses were eighteen or over, including Johanna Sjoberg, Julie Brabon, Venero, and Christine at the time they visited Mr. Epstein's home," framing the case as involving adult sex workers. This defense strategy, which minimized the ages and coercion of victims, was developed with Dershowitz as an active participant in the negotiation meetings.

Victim Notification and Secrecy

The Crime Victims' Rights Act summary judgment motion extensively documents how the NPA was secretly negotiated while victims were kept uninformed, and how defense counsel—including the team Dershowitz was part of—convinced the government to delay victim notification. While this document does not single out Dershowitz's individual role, it establishes that the defense team he participated in successfully argued for keeping victims in the dark about the agreement until after it was finalized, thereby preventing them from objecting or providing input.

Giuffre's amended complaint alleged that Dershowitz "participated in the drafting of the NPA and worked to protect Epstein and other 'potential co-conspirators' (including himself) from prosecution." While this is an allegation in a complaint rather than established fact, the archive evidence confirms Dershowitz's presence at NPA negotiation meetings and his receipt of direct assurances from the U.S. Attorney.

Coordination with Defense Team

An investigation timeline shows the broader context of the federal investigation from May 2006 through 2011, documenting meetings between defense attorneys and prosecutors. While Dershowitz is not named in individual timeline entries, the timeline shows that Gerald Lefcourt and Lilly Ann Sanchez joined the defense team in November 2006, and that Lefcourt appeared at prosecutor meetings throughout 2007. A July 6, 2007 letter from Gerald Lefcourt to prosecutors argued against federal charges in a detailed 23-page submission. These documents establish that Dershowitz was part of a coordinated multi-attorney defense effort that included Lefkowitz, Starr, Lefcourt, Sanchez, Roy Black, Jack Goldberger, and Guy Lewis.

A defense team document from this period also records that "the AUSA personally contacted one of JE's principal business clients (Les Wexner), through his counsel, without a substantial investigatory justification," showing that prosecutors investigated Epstein's relationship with Leslie Wexner, the client to whom Dershowitz had been introduced at the 59th birthday party.

Correspondence with Epstein#

The archive contains 216 emails involving Dershowitz spanning March 2009 to April 2019, with 138 distinct threads. Dershowitz appears as sender in 78 emails and as recipient in 138. The correspondence reveals sustained collaboration on legal strategy, particularly during periods of intensified litigation and media scrutiny.

Legal Representation and Strategy Coordination

Dershowitz served as Epstein's attorney during the 2006-2008 Florida criminal case and continued advising on subsequent civil litigation. In February 2015, Epstein forwarded Dershowitz a billing invoice from attorney Kendall Coffey for work on "the federal case," with Dershowitz requesting that Epstein send him a check for the billed amount so he could forward payment to Coffey. Multiple emails show coordination with other members of Epstein's legal team, including Martin Weinberg, Darren Indyke, Roy Black, Jack Goldberger, and Ken Starr.

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz confirmed his ongoing legal relationship with Epstein and disclosed the existence of joint defense agreements: "My understanding is that I am still Jeffrey Epstein's lawyer. Jeffrey Epstein, I understand, has a common interest or joint defense agreement with Ghislaine Maxwell, so I have — my understanding is that I am bound by a common agreement." When asked if he'd spoken to Maxwell since January 2015, Dershowitz's attorney Darren Indyke invoked privilege, stating: "There's a common interest agreement in effect with respect to the New York case and a common interest agreement with respect to this case." This reveals that Dershowitz, Epstein, and Maxwell were legally coordinating their defense through formal agreements that allowed privileged communications among all three parties.

In December 2018, Epstein circulated to his legal team—including Dershowitz—a draft defense of the 2008 plea agreement authored by Ken Starr. The draft argued that Epstein had been subjected to "an unprecedented federal intrusion" and characterized the case as "solicitation of prostitution," a state crime. Starr's draft described Epstein as "our former client -- and now-friend." Epstein sought feedback from his attorneys on publishing this defense in response to negative media coverage.

In March 2019, after renewed criticism of the Acosta plea deal, Epstein coordinated a response to a New York Times editorial, emailing Dershowitz, Starr, Weinberg, Kathy Ruemmler, and Indyke with talking points emphasizing that "5 professional criminal defense attorney somehow colluded with alex acosta is preposterous" and noting the case involved "a florida case of sex for money".

The Giuffre Allegations and Coordinated Defense

The most intensive correspondence occurred in February 2015, immediately after Virginia Giuffre filed a motion to join ongoing Crime Victims' Rights Act litigation, which included allegations that she had been sexually trafficked to Dershowitz. The archive contains extended email exchanges between Epstein and Dershowitz on February 9, 2015, discussing response strategy.

Dershowitz wrote: "I say I'm not afraid if fbi has videos because I know I'm not on them. A guilty person would be frightened of videos, not knowing whether he is on any. An innocent person like me wants there to be videos because he knows he can't be on any. It's a powerful point." Epstein responded with concern about calling for release of videos, stating "they are no videos ,, you are asking them to release MY PERSONAL photos. ? mine, what are you thinking?" Martin Weinberg mediated the dispute, informing Epstein that Dershowitz "agreed out of respect for you to eliminate the paragraphs that he was considering regarding challenges directed to obtaining evidence from the Govt whether pictures, tapes, videos, etc."

On February 12, 2015, Lesley Groff coordinated a meeting between Epstein and Dershowitz at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, scheduling it for 3:30 PM that afternoon.

Dershowitz and Epstein also coordinated on discrediting Giuffre's claims by highlighting alleged inconsistencies. The February 9 emails show Epstein advising Dershowitz to "hit clinton gore. and focus", referring to Giuffre's claims about Bill Clinton and Al Gore visiting Epstein's island, which both Epstein and Dershowitz maintained were false.

Media Management

Multiple emails show Dershowitz forwarding media inquiries to Epstein. In March 2016, Dershowitz forwarded a New York Post inquiry about Epstein allegedly importing young women from Russia, noting "I refused to talk to Johnson". In June 2016, he forwarded a Fox News inquiry about Epstein's involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative.

In September 2016, Epstein forwarded Dershowitz excerpts from the James Patterson book about Epstein, noting "this is the part that contains more about you."

In April 2019, after the Miami Herald's investigation renewed attention on the case, Dershowitz forwarded Epstein an announcement of the 2019 Hillman Prize winners, which included the Herald's Julie K. Brown for her Epstein reporting.

Non-Legal Interactions

Beyond legal matters, emails document a personal relationship. In October 2018, Epstein emailed Dershowitz about a New York Times article on Trump's finances, complaining about the use of inflation-adjusted figures. In August 2017, when Epstein sought recommendations for a Florida civil litigator, Dershowitz recommended Chuck Lichtman, noting "He helped settle my case with Edwards"—referring to Dershowitz's own defamation litigation.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations#

Virginia Giuffre's Allegations

Virginia Giuffre (formerly Virginia Roberts) alleged in a 2015 federal court filing that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to Dershowitz for sexual purposes. Giuffre's amended complaint provided specific details: "Between 2000 and 2002, Defendant sexually abused Plaintiff on numerous occasions, including at least once in New York" during a period "beginning when Plaintiff was 16." An Epstein accusations compilation document in the archive summarizes Giuffre's claims as stating she "had sex with Dershowitz at least 6 times, aged 16-19."

The amended complaint alleged that "during 2000-2002, beginning when Plaintiff was 16, Plaintiff was the victim of sex trafficking" and that Dershowitz "participated in the drafting of the NPA and worked to protect Epstein and other 'potential co-conspirators' (including himself) from prosecution."

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz specifically denied being at Epstein's New Mexico ranch, stating: "She's lying when she said she met me at the ranch." The deposition defined the relevant time period as "August of 1999 through October of 2002."

Sarah Ransome's Allegations

A second accuser, Sarah Ransome, also alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz. A Wikipedia compilation document in the archive summarizes: "In 2017, Sarah Ransome filed a suit against Epstein and Maxwell, alleging that Maxwell had hired her to give massages to Epstein and later threatened to physically harm her or destroy her career prospects if she did not comply with their sexual demands at his mansion in New York City and on his private Caribbean island, Little Saint James. The suit was settled in 2018 under undisclosed terms."

Most significantly, in Giuffre's amended complaint, Dershowitz's own public statement is quoted. In a March 2, 2019 tweet, Dershowitz referred to "My perjuring accusers are [Giuffre] and Sarah Ransomme [sic] [who reported that Epstein lent her out to Defendant for sex at the same time as Defendant was, at Epstein's request, representing Ransome as her lawyer]." This statement reveals an extraordinary conflict of interest: Dershowitz acknowledges that Ransome alleged Epstein trafficked her to him sexually while Dershowitz was simultaneously serving as Ransome's attorney at Epstein's request.

Digital evidence in the archive shows screenshots of Sarah Ransome's Yahoo Mail account with folders containing documents labeled "Sarah Ransome" including legal documents (W8BEN forms, CV, case files). Ransome's presence in the Epstein investigation materials as a Department of Justice exhibit is documented through these screenshots.

Additional Witness Testimony

The Epstein accusations compilation references another accuser who reported being "shown into a room with Alan Dershowitz and Epstein. Dershowitz left the room. Rena and Epstein took off their clothes. 'sexually assaulted by both Rena and Epstein.'" This account places Dershowitz physically present in a room at Epstein's residence immediately before an alleged assault on a victim, though it does not allege Dershowitz participated in the assault.

Johanna Sjoberg as Witness

Johanna Sjoberg was identified as a witness who visited Epstein's properties. The December 11, 2007 Kirkland & Ellis letter to U.S. Attorney Acosta—signed by Starr and Lefkowitz as part of the defense team Dershowitz participated in—specifically mentioned "Johanna Sjoberg" by name, arguing that "many of the masseuses were eighteen or over, including Johanna Sjoberg, Julie Brabon, Venero, and Christine at the time they visited Mr. Epstein's home." An investigation timeline shows a "Subpoena to Johanna Sjoberg (return date 3/13/07)" issued on March 2, 2007, confirming she was a witness in the federal investigation.

The accusations compilation also documents Sjoberg's account of an incident involving Prince Andrew, in which she described a photograph being taken with a puppet: "I just remember someone suggesting a photo, and they told us to go get on the couch...and so Andrew and [Sjoberg] sat on the couch, and they put the puppet, the puppet on her lap. And so then I sat on Andrew's lap, and I believe on my own volition, and they took the puppet's hands and put it on [Sjoberg's] breast, and so Andrew put his on mine."

Dershowitz's Denials

Dershowitz has categorically and repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. Giuffre's amended complaint catalogs dozens of specific public statements Dershowitz made across multiple media outlets from November 2018 through December 2019, defending himself and attacking his accusers' credibility.

Visits to Epstein Properties and Evidence of Contact#

Massage Evidence and Contradictions of Public Statements

Critical evidence in the archive directly contradicts Dershowitz's public claims about his visits to Epstein properties. Interview notes of an Epstein assistant contain the handwritten entry: "Met Alan Dershowitz - (alone in house) / no wife, no kids when he received Massage."

This evidence is corroborated by an FBI 302 report documenting a September 10, 2019 interview with an Epstein employee. The witness told the FBI that she "saw on Twitter that ALAN DERSHOWITZ stated that he was with his wife and kids when he was at EPSTEIN's home. [She] met DERSHOWITZ and he was alone in the house with no wife and no kids when he received a massage." This FBI interview directly contradicts Dershowitz's public defense that he only visited Epstein's homes with his family present.

The same FBI 302 provides additional context about these massages: "The individuals who traveled with EPSTEIN, including [redacted names] were given massages. ALAN DERSHOWITZ received a massage from [redacted] - she had a tattoo... [the assistant] understood these massages to be more professional massages. These massages were different than the massages the girls gave." The FBI 302 also notes that this assistant "traveled a lot to Boston, specifically visiting Harvard. They met with MARTIN NOVACK and ALAN DERSHOWITZ."

Flight on Epstein's Aircraft

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane at least once, testifying: "I then flew with Jeffrey Epstein to Leslie Wexner's 59th birthday. I was presented to Leslie Wexner." When questioned about flight logs, Dershowitz stated: "What we have here is only the fraction of flights where Dave Rogers was one of the pilots. Can you help us get the flight logs from Larry Visosky..." He responded: "I would love to. It would all show that I wasn't on the plane." This suggests he believed additional flight records existed beyond those already in evidence that would support his position.

Manhattan Townhouse

The archive documents at least one confirmed visit:

February 12, 2015 - 3:30 PM meeting (email coordination)

Additional visits are implied by the witness testimony documented in the FBI 302 and interview notes, which place Dershowitz at Epstein's properties receiving massages, though specific dates for these visits are not provided in the available documents.

Palm Beach Mansion

The interview notes and FBI 302 testimony about Dershowitz receiving massages "alone in house" likely refer to Epstein's Palm Beach mansion, where most of the alleged abuse occurred and where Epstein employed the household staff who served as witnesses.

Dershowitz has publicly stated he visited Epstein's homes and traveled on his plane but always in social or professional capacities and never witnessed inappropriate conduct. The archive evidence documents visits but does not resolve the factual disputes about what occurred during those visits.

Connections and Relationships#

Defense Team Network

Dershowitz's correspondence places him at the center of Epstein's legal defense network. His most frequent co-correspondents were:

Jeffrey Epstein (127 shared emails): Principal client relationship
Martin Weinberg (43 shared emails): Boston-based defense attorney who frequently coordinated strategy
Darren Indyke (29 shared emails): Epstein's estate attorney
Lesley Groff (21 shared emails): Epstein's assistant who coordinated meetings
Jack Goldberger (19 shared emails): Florida defense attorney
Roy Black (16 shared emails): Prominent Miami defense attorney
Kathy Ruemmler (13 shared emails): Former White House Counsel who joined Epstein's legal team
Ken Starr (10 shared emails): Former independent counsel and Epstein attorney

The correspondence shows coordination with this extended legal team on media strategy, litigation tactics, and public statements throughout the 2015-2019 period.

Leslie Wexner Connection

Dershowitz's relationship with Leslie Wexner, Epstein's primary financial patron, is documented in multiple contexts. As previously noted, Dershowitz testified that his introduction to Wexner occurred when he flew with Epstein to Wexner's 59th birthday party, where he characterized himself as "Jeffrey Epstein's intellectual gift to Leslie Wexner."

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz referenced Wexner's attorney when discussing Giuffre's allegations: "I know that Sigrid McCawley said that she said that Leslie Wexner made her dress up... Leslie Wexner's lawyer regards that as a [false] statement." This reference suggests ongoing contact with or knowledge of Wexner's legal team during the Giuffre litigation.

Giuffre's amended complaint documents that Dershowitz publicly characterized the allegations against him as "part of an extortion plot to get a billion dollars from Leslie Wexner," attempting to tie his defense to Wexner's interests.

Prince Andrew

Dershowitz's 2016 deposition revealed his connection to Prince Andrew. Dershowitz testified: "I have seen a photograph of Prince Andrew and Virginia Roberts and Ghislaine Maxwell. I have myself met Prince Andrew. He came to my class at Harvard Law School and there was a dinner for him, and he asked about Jeffrey Epstein. We discussed Jeffrey Epstein." When asked if he'd contacted Prince Andrew since January 2015, Dershowitz stated: "No. I got a Christmas card from him." When asked if he'd spoken with representatives of Andrew, privilege objections prevented further inquiry.

Dershowitz's testimony also included victim-blaming language regarding allegations against Prince Andrew: "Under the age of consent, that would be an act of prostitution. If she was paid $15,000 to have sex with Prince Andrew at the age of 17 in England, she would be guilty of prostitution."

Ghislaine Maxwell

Dershowitz met Ghislaine Maxwell at his first meeting with Epstein, and as documented above, was bound by a common interest/joint defense agreement that included Maxwell. This legal arrangement meant that communications between Dershowitz and Maxwell about the case were privileged and coordinated, allowing them to share information and strategy without waiving attorney-client privilege.

Document References and Legal Proceedings#

The 2015 Joinder Motion

In a 2015 motion to join the CVRA case, Virginia Giuffre alleged that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to multiple powerful men, including Dershowitz. Judge Kenneth Marra subsequently ordered these allegations stricken as "immaterial and impertinent" to the narrow question of joinder, finding the "lurid details" about sexual acts with non-parties unnecessary to determining whether the government violated the victims' rights under the CVRA.

Defamation Litigation

Following the joinder motion, Dershowitz filed a defamation lawsuit in Broward County, Florida, against attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell, alleging they had made false and defamatory statements about him. Edwards and Cassell counterclaimed, arguing they had a good faith basis for including their client's allegations and that Dershowitz's public attacks on their professional conduct were defamatory. The Florida court filings document Dershowitz's extensive media campaign defending himself, including statements that the attorneys "will be disbarred" and were "virtually the equivalent of perjurers".

In April 2016, the parties reached a settlement. The joint statement announced that Edwards and Cassell "acknowledge that it was a mistake to have filed sexual misconduct accusations against Dershowitz; and the sexual misconduct accusations made in all public filings (including all exhibits) are hereby withdrawn." Dershowitz "also withdraw[drew] his accusations that Edwards and Cassell acted unethically." The settlement stated that "Dershowitz completely denies any such misconduct, while not disputing Roberts's statements that the underlying alleged misconduct may have occurred with someone else."

Giuffre v. Maxwell References

Dershowitz is also referenced in Giuffre v. Maxwell civil litigation documents, where both sides discussed his role in the broader allegations. In Maxwell's motion to dismiss, her attorneys characterized Giuffre's claims as targeting multiple "notable public figures, such as Prince Andrew and Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz." In Giuffre's opposition, her attorneys noted that another federal judge had found it unnecessary for Giuffre to detail sexual encounters with non-parties like Dershowitz in the CVRA case, but this did not preclude her from offering such testimony as a witness.

The 2016 Deposition

Dershowitz's four-volume deposition in April 2016 provides extensive testimony about his relationship with Epstein, his role in the legal defense, his contacts with other figures in the case, and his response to allegations. The deposition reveals the common interest agreements binding Dershowitz, Epstein, and Maxwell; his acknowledgment of flying on Epstein's plane; his contacts with Prince Andrew; and his characterization of his introduction to Epstein and Wexner. Throughout the deposition, Dershowitz's attorney Darren Indyke frequently invoked attorney-client privilege and common interest privilege to prevent disclosure of communications.

Note: This profile incorporates evidence from the Jeffrey Epstein document archive. All allegations of sexual misconduct against Dershowitz are denied by him. The 2016 settlement resulted in the withdrawal of allegations filed in court documents, though Giuffre has continued to make her accusations in other contexts. The archive evidence documents Dershowitz's role in Epstein's legal defense, his presence at Epstein properties, and witness testimony about his conduct, but does not resolve disputed questions of fact regarding the allegations against him.