Amal Clooney, born Amal Alamuddin on February 3, 1978, in Beirut, Lebanon, is a distinguished barrister specializing in international law and human rights. Her career is marked by high-profile cases and significant contributions to global justice.
Early Life and Education
Amal’s early years were shaped by the Lebanese Civil War, prompting her family to relocate to the United Kingdom when she was two years old. They settled in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Her father, Ramzi Alamuddin, is of Druze heritage from Baakleen in the Chouf District, and her mother, Baria Alamuddin, is a Sunni Muslim with roots in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Amal has a sister, Tala, and two half-brothers, Ziad and Samer.
She attended Dr Challoner’s High School, an all-girls grammar school in Buckinghamshire, where she excelled academically. Amal pursued higher education at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence in 2000. She continued her studies at New York University School of Law, obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.
Career
Amal began her legal career in New York, working at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in the Criminal Defense and Investigations Group. In 2010, she returned to the UK and joined Doughty Street Chambers in London as a barrister. Her expertise includes international criminal law, human rights, and extradition.
Throughout her career, Amal has represented notable clients such as Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She has appeared before international courts, including the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Amal also serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, teaching international human rights law.
Personal Life
Amal married American actor George Clooney on September 27, 2014, in Venice, Italy. The couple has twins, Alexander and Ella, born in June 2017. They reside in multiple properties, including a mansion in Berkshire, England, and a villa in Lake Como, Italy.
Philanthropy
In 2016, Amal and George co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, aiming to advance justice through accountability for human rights abuses worldwide. The foundation focuses on court monitoring, strategic litigation, and advocacy initiatives.
Net Worth and Physical Attributes
As of 2024, Amal Clooney’s net worth is estimated at $50 million. She stands approximately 5 feet 8.5 inches (174 cm) tall and maintains a slim physique. Fluent in English, French, and conversational Arabic, Amal’s linguistic skills enhance her effectiveness in international legal matters.
Amal Clooney’s dedication to justice and human rights continues to inspire many, solidifying her status as a leading figure in international law.