What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Robert B. Barnett, a prominent Washington attorney renowned for his representation of high-profile political figures, has passed away at the age of 79. Barnett was known for his work with former presidents and first ladies, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and George W. and Laura Bush. He was a partner at Williams & Connolly and played a significant role in bridging the gap between Washington elites and New York publishers. Barnett's career spanned decades, during which he represented a wide array of clients, from politicians to media executives and musical superstars. His influence in the political and publishing worlds was substantial, often being called upon by politicians leaving office to broker lucrative book deals. Barnett's unique business model involved billing clients by the hour rather than taking a percentage of royalties, which catered to high-profile clients.
Why It's Important?
Barnett's passing marks the end of an era in Washington's political and publishing circles. His ability to work across party lines and his influence in securing multimillion-dollar book deals for political figures have left a lasting impact on the industry. Barnett's role as an intermediary between political elites and publishers helped shape public narratives and contributed to the dissemination of political memoirs and literature. His work not only benefited his clients financially but also played a part in shaping political discourse through published works. The loss of Barnett may lead to shifts in how political figures negotiate publishing deals, potentially opening the field to new players and changing the dynamics of political literature.
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