Shawn K. Watts

Judge Shawn K. Watts is a Lecturer of Law at the University of Kansas School of Law, serving as Director of the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic. He also holds the role of District Court Judge for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Prior to KU, he was Associate Director of Columbia Law School’s Mediation Program and a visiting professor at Yale Law School and National Taiwan University. His expertise spans mediation, federal Indian law, and integrating traditional justice practices into modern legal systems. Watts is a recognized UN expert in conflict resolution and advises on indigenous rights globally.

Education: J.D., Columbia University School of Law (2012); B.A., St. John’s College (2000).

Research Focus: Watts specializes in tribal sovereignty, peacemaking traditions, and restorative justice. His work emphasizes bridging customary practices with contemporary legal frameworks, particularly in tribal courts and international governance. He actively trains diplomats on indigenous rights through the UN and advises tribal organizations on justice system reforms.

Publications & Presentations: His scholarship includes analyses of tribal bankruptcy protections, mediator selection processes, and language interpretation in mediation. He frequently presents on topics like environmental conflict resolution, gender equality in mediation, and the role of historical trauma in legal proceedings.

Awards & Honors: Jane Marks Murphy Prize for Clinical Advocacy (Columbia Law School), Strine Fellow, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

Advising & Partnerships: Supervises law students in tribal judicial clinics and collaborates with the National American Indian Court Judges Association. His UN partnerships focus on global indigenous rights frameworks and conflict resolution training for diplomats.