Washington DC Media Legal Titan Robert Barnett Dies at 79

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Robert B. Barnett, the Washington, D.C.-based attorney and senior partner at Williams & Connolly LLP, has passed away, as first reported by The Washington Post.

Mediaite has learned that Barnett, or “Bob” as he was known to friends and colleagues, had been dealing with an illness for some time but was still working from his office as recently as last week. He died in a DC area hospital Friday morning, as reported by Alec Dent for The Washington Post.

A towering figure in the political media landscape, Barnett was renowned for his unparalleled expertise in negotiating multimillion-dollar book deals for former U.S. presidents, political figures, and media personalities.

Over his illustrious career, Barnett secured landmark publishing contracts for Barack and Michelle Obama, Hillary and Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, among others. His clients also included journalists such as Tim Russert and Bob Woodward, as well as television anchors like Chris Wallace, Brit Hume, and Andrea Mitchell. Known for his bipartisan approach, Barnett represented individuals across the political spectrum, earning a reputation for remarkable integrity and discretion.

Beyond his role as a literary agent, Barnett was a trusted advisor and debate coach to numerous Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates, including Hillary Clinton. His strategic insights and preparation were instrumental in shaping political discourse during pivotal election cycles.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Chicago Law School, Barnett began his legal career with clerkships for Judge John Minor Wisdom and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White. He later served as a legislative assistant to Senator Walter Mondale, focusing on filibuster reform. Joining Williams & Connolly in 1975, Barnett quickly established himself as a leader in contract law and white-collar defense.

In a statement obtained by Mediaite, Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said, ”Bob Barnett was legendary as an industry titan across media, politics and law, and at his core — a wonderful man. His pristine integrity, wise counsel and knowledge of our business were an invaluable resource to me over the course of our 30-year relationship. He will be deeply missed by the FOX News Media family and the many anchors and correspondents he represented. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Rita and his entire family.”

Barnett’s passing marks the end of an era in Washington’s legal and media circles. His legacy endures through the countless individuals he mentored and the indelible impact he had on the intersection of law, politics, and media.