Back to work.
While George Clooney’s big-shot lawyer wife tackles her latest noble cause — advising the Greek government on how to reclaim its Parthenon marbles — fans are focusing on a more timely subject: Why did she take her husband’s name?
The former Amal Alamuddin is now officially Amal Clooney. At least, that’s the name next to her bio on her law firm’s Web site. Her bio picture is a glamour shot, with the beautiful barrister’s hands folded daintily beneath her chin.
Unclear is whether the Lebanese-born British attorney, 36, is using her maiden name as a middle name or if she’s just ditching it all together.
Amal Alamuddin was a well-known name even before she landed Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor. The new Mrs. Clooney “specializes in international law, human rights, criminal law and extradition,” according to her profile at The Legal 500, and has represented clients like WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange when he was resisting an extradition request by Sweden.
Her latest project put her in Athens, where she was advising the Greek government in its campaign to reclaim Parthenon sculptures that are currently on display at the British Museum.
“We really welcome celebrities getting involved,” said Eddie O’Hara, the chairman of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, which has campaigned for their restitution for 30 years.
Her husband seems to be on board with the cause. In February, while attending the Berlin Film Festival, the actor was asked whether Britain should allow Greece to reclaim its historic art.
“You have a very good case,” the Academy Award-winner said at the time. “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing if they were returned. That is a good idea, a fair thing to do.”