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Sean Spicer signs with top TV lawyer after meetings with networks

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer today signed with renowned attorney Bob Barnett, who represents a host of top politicians and TV news personalities, as he negotiates a big TV deal.

Sources say Spicer signed with Barnett and Michael O’Connor of Williams & Connolly Thursday after taking meetings with all the major TV and news networks including NBC, CBS and Fox News last week.

The former press secretary had also been courted by all the top Hollywood talent agencies, but sources said he chose Barnett, who is based with Williams & Connolly in Washington D.C. because of his track record with politicians and TV correspondents. Michael O’Connor is a partner at the firm.

Barnett’s news clients include Neil Cavuto, Christiane Amanpour, Brit Hume, Andrea Mitchell, Brian Williams, Steve Doocy and Cynthia McFadden, among many others. He also represents former government officials as they transition to the private sector, something that appealed to Spicer. His clients have included Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Madeleine Albright and Ben Bernanke. He has also repped a host of political figures for book deals, including Obama, Clinton, Bush, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin.

Sources say Barnett and O’Connor will be representing Spicer for all post White House TV deals, business consultancies and speaking appearances. There is also talk of a potential book deal.

The source also confirmed that Spicer has turned down the opportunity to appear on “Dancing With The Stars” after talking it over with his wife.

Spicer famously resigned as press secretary on July 21 when Anthony Scaramucci was brought in as communications director. After The Mooch was fired after 10 days, Spicer didn’t decide to return, having already been presented with some interesting post-White House opportunities.

Spicer didn’t comment last night and Barnett could not immediately be reached.