After 20 years as a private practice lawyer, Watts was elected a Wayne County Circuit Court judge in 1980.
[4] Upon graduating, she started her own practice after being unable to find work due to her gender.
[5] As a private practice lawyer, Watts was recruited by Great Lakes Mutual Insurance Company to assist with the release of black men arrested during the 1967 Detroit riot.
[5] She joined other African-American lawyers in the community to organize and coordinate in defending the men and seeking their release.
[6] After 20 years as a private practice lawyer, Watts was elected a Wayne County Circuit Court judge in 1980.