Though he began his professional life as a legal clerk, the attorney Robert B. Barnett eventually became the representative of choice for politicians on both sides of the aisle when the time came to sell a book. Barnett, who recently marked 50 years at the law firm Williams & Connolly, died on on September 25. He was 79.

“The Williams & Connolly family mourns the death of our dear friend and longtime partner, Bob Barnett,” read a tribute on the Williams & Connolly website. “Bob was among the most accomplished lawyers in the country, and widely known in Washington, D.C. legal and political circles for his high-profile clientele.”

David Drake, president of the Crown Publishing Group, worked with Barnett on many projects over the years, ranging from the late Elizabeth Edwards’s memoir Saving Graces to presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s presidential memoirs, Decision Points and A Promised Land, respectively “Bob was a singular figure in our industry, seamlessly connecting the worlds of Washington, D.C., and book publishing, and unique in his capacity to cross the political aisle,” Drake said.

“Bob Barnett was one of the most honorable people I’ve ever met,” said Jonathan Karp, CEO of Simon & Schuster, who had numerous dealings with Barnett. “He was wise, brilliant, and full of joy, stories, and excellent advice.”

Among Barnett’s authors published by S&S are Hillary Clinton and Bob Woodward. And as well known as Barnett was for representing high-profile political leaders, he also represented prominent figures in other fields, including Mary Higgins Clark, Barry Diller, Sanjay Gupta, and John Malone.

Barnett’s ability to work with all types of powerful people was perhaps best personified when he convinced Bill Clinton, published by Knopf, and James Patterson, published by Little, Brown to collaborate on a novel. The President is Missing, which was copublished by the two imprints, became a huge bestseller.

Paul Bogaards, former executive VP and deputy publisher at Knopf, who currently heads his own public relations firm, said he had known Barnett for decades, and had just worked on publicity for the Diller book. “He taught me a lot,” Bogaards said. “I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have without Bob’s advice.”

Bogaards recalled his first meeting with Barnett, noting that after a brief conversation, the attorney took out his legal pad and said, “Let’s see how we can make this deal work.” “Working with Barnett was always a collaboration,” Bogaards said. “He wanted what was best for all parties.” The characteristically outspoken Bogaards added that one piece of advice he received from Barnett was the need to comport himself differently in certain situations. “I took his teaching to heart,” he said.

Karp and Drake also spoke of what a pleasure it was to work with Barnett. “He was a superlative partner and collaborator,” Karp told PW. “I speak on behalf of all of us at Simon & Schuster who worked with Bob in expressing our condolences to his family and our gratitude for having such a long and gratifying relationship with this remarkable man.”

“As much as he was a power broker and dealmaker, he was deeply human, displaying a genuine interest in the well-being of his clients and many partners, and exuding warmth at every turn,” Drake said. “As much as I admired him for his acumen, I will remember him as a great friend and I know he will be widely and deeply missed by so many. I am not sure we will see a figure quite like him going forward.”