What Is Amal Clooney’s Net Worth
Amal Clooney, a distinguished British-Lebanese barrister, activist, and author, has built a substantial net worth estimated at $50 million. This financial standing is primarily derived from her successful legal career, specializing in international law and human rights, and her work with prominent international organizations. Her association with actor George Clooney has further amplified her public profile, though her professional achievements are the cornerstone of her wealth.
Amal Clooney: Early Life and Education
Born Amal Alamuddin on February 3, 1978, in Beirut, Lebanon, Amal’s early life was marked by displacement due to the Lebanese Civil War. At the age of two, her family relocated to Buckinghamshire, England. While her father eventually returned to Lebanon in 1991, Amal remained in England with her mother and siblings. She attended an all-girls grammar school, laying the foundation for her exceptional academic journey. Furthering her education, Amal enrolled at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford, where she earned a BA degree in Jurisprudence in 2000, having received several awards for academic excellence. In 2001, she pursued an LLM degree at New York University School of Law, gaining invaluable experience working under Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
Amal Clooney’s Flourishing Legal Career
Amal Clooney’s legal career is characterized by a commitment to international law, human rights, and high-profile cases. Admitted to the bar in New York in 2002, she subsequently qualified in England and Wales. Her initial legal experiences involved working at the international courts in The Hague, including the International Criminal Court. Following a stint at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City, Amal served as a clerk at the International Court of Justice. She further honed her expertise as part of the Office of the Prosecutor at the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon, also based in The Hague. In 2010, she returned to Britain and established herself as a barrister. During this period, she was appointed to numerous United Nations commissions.
Her return to Britain marked a significant phase in her career as she began to handle high-profile cases. One such case was the 2013 Drone Inquiry, where she provided her legal expertise on the use of drone technology in international law. Additionally, she represented Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, demonstrating her commitment to freedom of information and human rights. She also took on the representation of the entire state of Cambodia, indicating the breadth and depth of her legal skills.
From 2015 to 2016, Amal Clooney enriched the academic environment at Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute as a visiting faculty member. She imparted her extensive knowledge through courses focused on human rights and human rights litigation, shaping the next generation of legal professionals. Her commitment to education extends beyond Columbia Law School, as she has lectured on international criminal law at SOAS Law School, The New School, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the University of North Carolina, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in her field.
In 2015, Amal initiated a legal case on behalf of the Armenian government, seeking formal recognition of the Armenian genocide. This case underscores her determination to address historical injustices and fight for human rights. Representing Armenia through Doughty Street Chambers, Amal has openly criticized Turkey’s stance on the matter, characterizing it as hypocritical. Her involvement has added significant weight to the decades-long efforts by numerous Turkish-Armenians to have the 1915 massacres officially recognized as a genocide by the international community.
Also in 2015, Amal took on a case against the Government of the Philippines concerning the continued detention of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her legal intervention highlighted potential violations of international law. The United Nations later concluded that Arroyo’s detention indeed constituted a breach of international law, thereby validating Amal’s argument. This case illustrates her commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law, even in politically sensitive situations.
Later in 2015, Amal joined the legal team defending Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, who had been sentenced to 13 years in prison following what many described as a kangaroo court. Her involvement in this case reflects her dedication to promoting democracy and human rights in countries where these principles are under threat. Her efforts were later credited with helping to strengthen democracy in the Maldives, showcasing the impact of her legal advocacy on a global scale.
Amal’s caseload in 2015 included her involvement in the “Hooded Men” case, which addressed the use of illegal interrogation methods by the British government against Irish citizens. Her work on this case demonstrates her willingness to challenge powerful entities and advocate for the rights of individuals who have been subjected to abuse. In 2016, she delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations, drawing attention to the horrific rape and slave market organized by ISIL. She further exposed the existence of an online slave market on Facebook, which she stated was still active at the time. These actions demonstrate her tireless efforts to raise awareness about human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable.
In 2019, Amal Clooney was appointed as a special envoy at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where she focused on securing global media freedom. She was deeply committed to this role, recognizing the importance of a free and independent press in holding governments accountable and informing the public. However, in 2020, she made the difficult decision to resign in protest after the UK government allegedly violated international law in connection to Brexit. This decision reflects her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when it means challenging her own government.
Marriage to George Clooney
Amal’s personal life gained widespread public attention following her engagement to George Clooney in 2014. The couple’s meeting a year earlier through a mutual friend led to a high-profile romance culminating in a lavish wedding ceremony held in Venice later in 2014, creating a significant media frenzy. Their wedding was one of the most talked-about events of the year, with extensive coverage in both print and digital media, reflecting the public’s fascination with the union of a human rights lawyer and a Hollywood superstar.
In 2017, the media spotlight intensified once again when Amal and George announced they were expecting their first children. Later that year, the couple welcomed twins into the world, further solidifying their status as one of the world’s most prominent and admired couples. The birth of their twins was met with immense public interest, with news outlets around the globe reporting on the event.
Activism and Philanthropy
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin work together on the Clooney Foundation, which the pair co-founded in 2016. The organization strives to advance justice across the world. The Clooney Foundation is committed to combating human rights abuses, promoting accountability for war crimes, and advocating for the protection of journalists and other vulnerable groups. The couple also started the Amal Clooney Scholarship, which provides funding for one female Lebanese student to enroll in a 2-year International Baccalaureate programme. This scholarship underscores their commitment to empowering women through education and providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Real Estate Holdings
Amal and her husband, George Clooney, have an extensive real estate portfolio. They own properties in Europe and the United States. Among their most notable residences are a villa on Lake Como in Italy and a $13 million mansion in England. The villa on Lake Como, often referred to as Villa Oleandra, serves as a tranquil retreat for the couple and their family, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The $13 million mansion in England, located in Sonning-on-Thames, provides a luxurious and private residence within easy reach of London.
Clooney owns an additional $13 million mansion in Laglio, Italy. In 2016, the pair purchased an apartment in the luxurious One Hundred Fifty-Third Street building in New York City. Although the cost of this apartment is unknown, the penthouse suite on this complex is worth $65 million. They also own properties in places like Las Vegas and Studio City. Many of these properties were purchased long before Clooney married Amal.