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Cheryl Wattley
Professor at UNT Dallas College of Law
Cheryl Wattley is a distinguished professor at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, where she teaches Criminal Law and serves as the Director of Experiential Education.13 She is a founding faculty member of the college and has made significant contributions to legal education and civil rights advocacy.3
Career Highlights
- Received her Juris Doctorate from Boston University College of Law as a Martin Luther King Jr. fellow12
- Began her career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Connecticut and later in Texas13
- Served as Chief of the Economic Crime Unit in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas1
- Established a private practice focusing on white-collar criminal defense and civil rights litigation1
- Joined UNT Dallas College of Law, where she oversees programs such as the externship program, Community Lawyering Centers, and the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic1
Achievements and Recognition
- Author of the award-winning book "A Step Toward Brown v. Board of Education: Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Her Fight to End Segregation"1
- Recipient of numerous awards, including the Dallas Bar Association's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award and the Oklahoma Bar Association's Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award1
- Recently awarded the 2024 Smith College Medal for her contributions to civil rights and criminal justice3
- Successfully exonerated Ben Spencer, who was wrongfully convicted 37 years ago, through her work with the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic4
Recent Work
In 2024, Professor Wattley authored a book titled "Desire to Serve: An Autobiography of Congresswomen Eddie Bernice Johnson," documenting the life and legacy of the Texas Representative.5 Her ongoing commitment to justice, legal education, and civil rights continues to make a significant impact in the field of law and beyond.
Highlights
Aug 30 · untdallas.edu
Law Professor Cheryl Wattley Wins Exoneration of Ben Spencer ...
Jul 16 · untsystem.edu
UNT Dallas College of Law professor Cheryl Wattley authors ...
Feb 20 · smith.edu
Smith Medalist Cheryl Brown Wattley: 'The Conviction of Possibility'
May 6 · Northdallasgazette
John Lewis Voter Advancement Day of Action Votercade slated for May 8 - Northdallasgazette
Oct 1 · The Black Wall Street Times
OU Law Celebrates Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher; Announces Fund - The Black Wall Street Times


