There are many things about my work that I enjoy but the part that is most satisfying is taking a bad situation and turning it into a good situation.
I often have clients that come in very upset over a situation. Maybe they are facing foreclosure. Or dealing with an abusive debt collector. Or their credit reports are so incorrect that they are losing their security clearance or they are losing a mortgage over it. Other times clients are dealing with the constant pain of injuries from a car wreck.
They are frustrated and upset to have to deal with this problem. They don't have accurate information on their rights and options. This is exactly where the insurance companies, debt collectors, and mortgage companies want you to be.
Unsure of your rights and unsure of what action to take. You see they assume that you:
Practice areas
Consumer protection means laws and strategies to protect consumers from abusive companies --whether it is debt collectors, credit reporting agencies, credit card companies, mortgage companies, etc. We show you your rights and help you to take the right action. So that you can get back to your life and not worry about these abusive companies anymore.
27 years, 400 cases
Personal injury involves everything from car crashes to defective drugs and medical devices to train crossing cases. In my career I have handled all of these and more. My philosophy is the same in all areas -- I help people understand their rights and then encourage them to take action. Knowing is not enough -- we have to take action to have success. I'll help you understand your options and then you decide what is best for you and your family.
27 years, 300 cases
I help Alabama seniors and their families to understand their rights and options to pay for long term care including using Medicaid and the surprisingly little known VA benefit of "VA Pension" that can pay veterans up to $2000 a month for non service related disability. Whatever your situation, feel free to let us know and we'll help you understand your options.
20 years, 100 cases
I have helped hundreds of Alabama consumers who are facing illegal and abusive debt collection tactics (including being sued in a collection suit) WITHOUT filing for bankruptcy. Whether it is an original creditor (credit card, auto loan, etc) or a bill collector, there are laws that protect you. I am glad to send you information about your rights so you can decide the best way to handle an abusive debt collector or creditor so that they will treat you with dignity and respect.
27 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English
301 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL, 35203
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
AL | Occupational License - Authorized to Practice | 1995 | 07/19/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2010 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2004 |
Law Review | Cumberland School of Law | 1993 |
Moot Court Board | Cumberland School of Law | 1993 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Watts & Herring, LLC | 2011 - Present |
Owner | Watts Law Group, PC | 2006 - 2011 |
Attorney | Yearout & Traylor, PC | 1995 - 2006 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Association of Consumer Advocates | Member | 2006 - Present |
Alabama State Bar Association | Member | 1995 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Jones School of Law Alumni -- "The Jones Brief" | Untapped Revenue Source for the Solo Practioner: The Fair Credit Reporting Act | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1995 |
Indiana University-Northwest | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1992 |
Leveraging TCPA Developments in Federal Jurisdiction, Class Suitability, and New Technology | Class Actions For Telephone and Fax Solicitation (TCPA) Post Mims | 2013 |
Mortgage Litigation | Using The FDCPA and FCRA In Foreclosure Defense Cases | 2010 |
Mortgage Litigation | Trial Strategies When Fighting Foreclosures | 2010 |
2010 Fair Debt Collection Practices Training Conference | Using The Telephone Consumer Protection Act And Fair Credit Reporting Act When Facing Abusive Debt Collectors | 2010 |
Successful Practice Seminar | Using Social Media In Marketing A Law Practice And In Litigation | 2009 |
Preventing Identity Theft | Preventing Identity Theft | 2009 |
Jones School of Law Alumni Meeting | Understanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act | 2009 |
Collections Law Seminar | Credit Reporting By Debt Collectors and Defending Debt Collection Suits | 2008 |
ABICLE Collections Law | Credit Reporting By Debt Collectors | 2008 |
Webinar | TCPA Class Actions: Phone, Text and Fax Solicitation Claims on the Rise | N/A |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Hope v. BSI Financial | Motion to dismiss was denied. 2012 WL 5379177 |
Carter v. Medicredit, Inc. | Attorney fees awarded at $375 per hour. 2012 WL 4329294 |
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Jon Lewis, Foreclosure Attorney on Mar 1, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known John Watts for several years, and through that time, I have come to know John as an attorney of integrity who will fight for his client's rights. In light of the current economic crisis, John has studied issues related to wrongful foreclosures and other foreclosure issues, and as a result, he has been able to help his clients prevent abusive practices from financial institutions. In addition, John has helped clients recover compensation as a result of abusive debt collectors. If you need an attorney to protect your consumer rights, I highly recommend John.
Craig Niedenthal, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known John and he is very well respected and does top quality work in protecting and assisting consumers with financial and debt issues. In the past I have had issues with clients relating to credit card debt and John was the lawyer I turned to, to get advice and direction. He is truly the top in this field of law.
John Hubbard, Consumer protection Attorney on Dec 8, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is one of the best consumer lawyers in Alabama.
Christopher Weaver, Consumer protection Attorney on Apr 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Though I don't know John personally, when I first stepped into private practice, I had hundreds of questions. I shot him an email, and this man took a good chunk of time out of one of his otherwise busy days to sit and chat with me, in detail about best practices in this field. I can count on one hand the folks who looked out for me when I started practicing, and of those, the majority were folks that I knew prior to practicing law. John helped me when he didn't even know me. He's a great benefit to our profession.
Jason Krebs, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known John for years. He is a fantastic advocate for the injured. He will take the time to explain all options to his clients without all the legalese that some lawyers throw around. John offers a lot of information on his website and you can learn a lot about your problem by watching his videos. Plus he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
Benjamin Glass, Consumer protection Attorney on Feb 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is a very experienced and knowledgable lawyer who I have known for many years. Importantly, he'll tell you whether or not you really need an attorney and he'll explain things in a way that makes sense. John has a ton of great information at his website. I'd highly recommend that you reach out to him if you need a lawyer
Gregory Cade, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jan 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Truly exceptional and professional attorney with an outstanding reputation in the legal field for providing high quality representation and results for his clients! I highly endorse John
John Aaron, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 2, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
John Watts is the attorney we send out any consumer protection cases to. Whether it creditors violating the law or mortgage companies that wrongfully foreclose on people's homes, John is the person you want on your side.
Matthew Dunaway, Elder law Attorney on May 28, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I've known John for 20 years. Over the years, we've handled many cases together. He's one of the finest lawyers I've ever worked with. He is knowledgeable about the law, kind to his clients and gives great advice.
Michael Waddington, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Daniel Tam, Unknown Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community.
Thomas Campbell, Debt settlement Attorney on Jan 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. John is one of the "go to" lawyers for consumers who are the victims of identity theft or abusive collection practices.
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community.
Dorothy Bunce, Elder law Attorney on Apr 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John Griffin Watts is the kind of lawyer we all aspire to be & I am honored to have the opportunity to offer him my endorsement
William Miller, Elder law Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable and takes and puts his client's interests first.
Ronald Sykstus, Debt collection Attorney on Feb 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John Watts is a top notch lawyer. He is smart, compassionate, precise, and personable. He is able to very quickly decipher legal situations and boil them down to very basic elelments and find solutions. He takes great care of his clients and is universally well-liked and respected.
Paula Greenway, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. John is a very knowledgeable attorney in the field of Consumer Protection and Fair Debt Collection. He does a fine job for his clients and obtains favorable results with the courts. I have referred many clients to him and would do so again in the future.
Paul Herman, Debt settlement Attorney on Feb 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Davis Nelson, Elder law Attorney on Dec 10, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known John for quite some time now and have worked with him with mutual clients and on other joint projects. I've always found him to possess the perfect blend of legal talent, experience and creativity. His clients love him and trust his judgment. In fact, they're not just clients — they are raving fans. But that's to be expected when you have a lawyer like John on your side. John speaks to his clients in plain English. No legal jargon here. I've also been impressed with the respect he displays toward his clients, by keeping them regularly informed of the progress of their case, by returning their phone calls promptly, and by always dealing with them as true equals. The confidence he inspires in everyone who works with him makes John just the sort of lawyer you hope yours will be. They just don't come any better than John.
Stephen Williams, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Sep 6, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Having represented several major credit card companies, I have mixed feelings about seeing Mr. Watts' name appear on the other side of one of my cases. On the one hand, I know I better have an airtight and thoroughly prepared case to have any chance of getting a verdict against his client. On the other, I know I'll be treated courteously and with the utmost respect.
Jonathan Reed, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 12, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer for efforts in education the public about many legal issues.
A. Webb, Identity theft Attorney on Aug 5, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. John has become an accomplished attorney prosecuting credit reporting agencies and unscrupulous creditors for violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and has obtained good results on behalf of Alabama consumers.