Amal Clooney appointed to Oxford University role

Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney is to take up a role at the University of Oxford.

The barrister will serve as a visiting professor of practice in international law at the Blavatnik School of Government.

Ms Clooney, who read law at St Hugh's College, said: "I am honoured to be back at Oxford, this time not as a student but as a professor."

The school says its aims are to train future world leaders and support better government and public policy around the world.

Ms Clooney added: "It is a privilege to have this opportunity to engage with the next generation of global leaders and to contribute to the vibrant academic community at Oxford.

"I look forward to collaborating with both faculty and students to advance access to justice around the world."

Ngaire Woods, dean of the Blavatnik School, said she was "delighted" to welcome Ms Clooney as a visiting professor.

"As a pre-eminent practitioner and scholar, Amal's expertise and insights will greatly enhance the school's research and teaching," she said.

British-Lebanese barrister Amal Clooney is known for taking on high-profile human rights cases.

She was part of the legal team working towards the release of Al Jazeera journalists jailed in Egypt, and represented Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was captured and tortured by the group calling itself Islamic State.

She founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice with husband George Clooney, which provides free legal aid in defence of free speech and women's rights around the world.

Ms Clooney was formerly a visiting professor at Columbia Law School, and published textbooks on international law.

Oxford University said her award-winning book The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law had been cited in judicial proceedings, including by the UK Supreme Court.

In January it was announced that former prime minister Rishi Sunak would be joining the school as a member of its World Leaders Circle.

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.