Fred H Bartlit Jr.

Fred H. Bartlit Jr., a devoted father and husband, an accomplished lawyer known as a titan of the bar, an inspirational leader, and a mentor and valued friend to many died peacefully August 6, 2026. Fred was born August 1, 1932, in Harvey, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He served eight years in the U.S. Army, including his service with the Army Rangers. Following his service in the United States Army, Fred attended law school at the University of Illinois College of Law, where he earned his JD. He graduated first in his class and was Editor of the school’s law review.

Fred spent the early portion of his legal career at Kirkland & Ellis LLP before founding Bartlit Beck in 1993 alongside partners Phil Beck, Skip Herman, Don Scott, Jim Palenchar, and Mark Ferguson. Together they sought to revolutionize the way high-stakes litigation was handled in the United States. Fred helped build a firm comprised of experienced, dedicated lawyers focused on winning for their clients, where values like credibility, being a team player, and treating everyone with respect were not buzzwords but instead deeply ingrained into the culture. Fred was named one of America’s “Lions of the Trial Bar” by the ABA Journal and tried over 70 notable cases in more than 24 states, the Virgin Islands, and Scotland throughout his remarkable career during which clients trusted him with their most complex and highest-stakes cases. Fred was selected as counsel by President George W. Bush for the Tallahassee “hanging chads” election contest, and by President Barack Obama as Chief Counsel for the “National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.” In addition, the Bartlit Center for Trial Advocacy, part of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Bluhm Lega Clinic, which helps to prepare law students to become confident, skilled, and effective litigators was established in 1999 in honor of Fred.

Fred lived life with extraordinary energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm. He embraced adventure and particularly enjoyed heliskiing in Canada and traveling internationally visiting all 7 continents with his wife Jana and friends. An avid and accomplished skier and golfer, Fred treasured the many hours he spent with family and friends on Vail mountain and the fairways of his beloved Castle Pines Golf Club. For Fred, these pursuits were about more than sport, they were opportunities to challenge himself, share experiences with those he loved, and create lasting memories. Fred gave generously of his time, wisdom, and energy, encouraging people to pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and become the very best they could be. His extraordinary record of professional achievement, philanthropy, service, and his belief in the potential of others will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fred and his wife Jana shared a deep compassion and love for animals, which inspired their tireless support of the Humane Colorado (f/k/a Denver Dumb Friends League). For more than twenty-one years, they devoted themselves to raising millions of dollars through their annual Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ Benefit. Fred and Jana were champions of the arts as well, and gave generously to the Denver Art Museum, including establishing the Jana & Fred Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center.

Fred’s passion for health and physical fitness is another important part of his legacy. He authored the best-selling book “Choosing the Strong Path: Reversing the Downward Spiral of Aging”, through which he shared his belief that strength, discipline, and commitment could help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Through the Strong Path program, Fred helped countless men and women improve their physical fitness and overall health through strength training. Helping others discover their own strength and live healthier lives was one of Fred’s proudest accomplishments.

Fred was a devoted son of Fred and Agnes Bartlit of Harvey, Illinois who preceded him in death. Fred is survived by his wife Jana; daughter Ann Bartlit Hickey of Chicago, ILL; daughter Susan Bartlit Rydin of Chicago, ILL; son Fred H Bartlit III (wife Lisa) of Salt Lake, UT; daughter Katie Dowling-Marcus (husband Ben) of Madison, WI; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brother John Bartlit (wife Nancy) of Los Alamos, NM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to the Special Forces Foundation , an organization that was especially near and dear to Fred’s heart. Fred and Jana Bartlit have proudly supported the Special Forces Foundation for the past three years, and Fred’s admiration for its mission and the individuals it serves made the Foundation particularly meaningful to him. In his memory, the family would be honored to have his legacy of generosity and support continue through contributions to this very special organization. https://specialforcesfoundation.org. Special Forces Foundation 33 Shadow Drive, Whispering Pines, NC 28327.

Private burial at West Point Cemetery in West Point, New York will precede a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Denver Art Museum to be held at 2pm on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026. Parking will be provided in the Cultural Center Complex Garage (65 W 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80204). Live stream the celebration at: https://denverartmuseum.org/fred-bartlit.