Amanda Knox has hired a top US lawyer previously used by Barack Obama and Tony Blair to negotiate a book deal about her four years behind bars in Italy.

The Seattle-based student, who was sensationally cleared of murdering her British flatmate in October, has asked Washington attorney Robert Barnett to represent her in discussions with publishers.

The 24-year-old has lived a relatively secluded existence since flying back to the US two months ago. She has so far refused all interviews and offers to tell her story.

Barnett, of the law firm Williams & Connolly, will "represent her in discussions with various book publishers who have expressed an interest in Amanda writing a book," a statement from her spokesman said.

The lawyer's past clients in negotiating book deals include George W. Bush and Queen Noor of Jordan, as well as Obama and former British PM Blair.

Amanda and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were acquitted over the 2007 murder of Amanda's flatmate Meredith Kercher by an appeal court in Perugia in October, after spending nearly four years in prison.

Overturning the sentences, the lead appeal judge said that the evidence used to convict them was not reliable.

Amanda wept as she heard the verdict and later thanked "everyone who's believed in me, who's defended me, who's supported my family."

Meredith was found with her throat slashed in the flat she shared with Amanda and two other students in Perugia in November 2007.

The prosecution in the case indicated they may appeal the overturned verdict at Italy's Supreme Court, but there is no sign yet as to when or how this would take place.

Amanda's father, meanwhile, said she plans to resume her studies in the US in the near future.

Click here to see how Amanda Knox's prosecution and appeal developed over time.

Amanda Knox in talks for book deal