Epstein's first documented access mechanism was teaching at the Dalton School (1974–1976). This placed him inside the social orbit of Manhattan's wealthiest families. Among Dalton's network at the time: the parents who would become Bear Stearns partners and Wall Street power brokers.
Key connection: Alan "Ace" Greenberg, chairman of Bear Stearns, whose children attended Dalton (per multiple biographical accounts). Greenberg reportedly facilitated Epstein's hire at Bear Stearns.
Pattern established: Gain access to an elite institution → build relationships with the most powerful people in it → leverage those relationships into the next rung.
Evidence Grade: B1 (biographical reporting, multiple outlets)
Epstein was hired at Bear Stearns as a junior trader and rose to limited partnership by 1980. This was the only period where Epstein held a legitimate, verifiable position in the financial industry.
What he gained:
What he did NOT gain: A track record. Epstein left Bear Stearns in 1981 under circumstances that remain unclear. Some accounts say he was fired for a policy violation; others say he departed voluntarily.
Evidence Grade: A1 (FINRA/SEC records confirm employment), B1 (departure circumstances)