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Influential Attorney Robert Barnett Dies at 79

9/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Robert B. Barnett, Washington, D.C. attorney, died at 79 after an illness.
He negotiated multimillion-dollar book deals for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
As partner at Williams & Connolly, he advised journalists on media deals.
He prepared candidates for national debates and mentored many in law and politics.
He was married to CBS journalist Rita Braver for 53 years.

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Story summary

Robert B. Barnett, Washington, D.C. attorney, died at 79 after an illness.
He negotiated multimillion-dollar book deals for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
As partner at Williams & Connolly, he advised journalists on media deals.
He prepared candidates for national debates and mentored many in law and politics.
He was married to CBS journalist Rita Braver for 53 years.