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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 26 · untdallas.edu
College of Law Professor Cheryl Wattley Honored by Smith College
College of Law Professor Cheryl Wattley Honored by Smith College
Feb 20 · smith.edu
Smith Medalist Cheryl Brown Wattley: 'The Conviction of Possibility'
John Lewis Voter Advancement Day of Action Votercade slated for May 8 - Northdallasgazette
Jan 17 · hr.untsystem.edu
Ask an Expert: Cheryl Wattley, UNT Dallas College of Law
Ask an Expert: Cheryl Wattley, UNT Dallas College of Law
OU Law Celebrates Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher; Announces Fund - The Black Wall Street Times

Related Questions

What inspired Cheryl Wattley to transition from practicing law to teaching?
How has Cheryl Wattley's work impacted the UNT Dallas College of Law?
What are some notable cases Cheryl Wattley worked on during her time as an Assistant United States Attorney?
How does Cheryl Wattley incorporate her experience in civil rights into her teaching?
What are the main goals of the Community Lawyering Centers at UNT Dallas College of Law?
Cheryl Wattley
Cheryl Wattley, photo 1
Cheryl Wattley, photo 2
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Location

Dallas, Texas