Born in Beirut in 1978, Amal Clooney established a global career as a barrister, jurist, and human rights defender. Her legal practice spans international humanitarian law, focusing on war crimes and crimes against humanity. Balancing citizenships in Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and France, she has maintained a consistent presence in high-profile international litigation and public prosecutor offices.
Academic Foundations and Early Practice
Clooney attended Dr Challoner's High School before graduating from St Hugh's College, Oxford, with a degree in Jurisprudence. She later earned an LLM from the New York University School of Law, receiving the Jack J. Katz Memorial Award. Her early professional experience included a semester in the office of Sonia Sotomayor and a three-year tenure at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City.
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Her work in international law includes a judicial clerkship at the International Court of Justice in 2004. At the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, she served as a judicial assistant for the trial of Slobodan Milosevic. She further practiced as a prosecutor for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, specifically addressing the assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister.
Advocacy for Human Rights and Accountability
Clooney has represented diverse international clients and groups, ranging from journalists to victims of genocide. Her legal contributions include the trial of an Islamic State member for crimes against humanity and representing victims of the genocide in Darfur before the International Criminal Court. She also serves as a member of the Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Beirut
- Citizenship: Lebanon, United Kingdom, France
- Education: St Hugh's College, NYU School of Law
- Professional Role: Barrister, Human Rights Defender
- Memberships: Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine
- Awards: BBC 100 Women (2023)
- Languages: English, French, Arabic
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of her legal practice?
Her work centers on international human rights, international criminal law, and cases involving war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Which international bodies has she worked with?
She has worked with the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and various United Nations missions.
Achievements
- Educated at Dr Challoner's High School and New York University School of Law
