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John Griffin Watts

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Avvo Rating10
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Licensed for 24 years
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About John

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:

 

  1. Don't know your rights; and/or
  2. Even if you know your rights you won't take action.

When you think about it, they only have to be right on one of these assumptions.  If you don't know your rights, it is almost certain that you will not take the right action.

But even if you do know your rights, if you don't take any action, then those who have mistreated you and harmed you "get away it."

So my mission, and the part I enjoy the most about my work, is to help you understand your rights and understand and motivate you to take the best action.  No one knows what's best for you other than you - when you have the knowledge of your rights and your options, then you can make the best choice for you.

So often we can take a bad situation and turn it around into a positive.  Not only receiving compensation but foreclosures can be stopped or overturned.  Debt collectors can be stopped.  Credit reports can be corrected.  Even with personal injury claims, you can move forward with your life.

We have a wealth of materials to share with you to help you learn more about your rights and options on what action to take.  We also enjoy sitting down with you to bring all of the information together in one place and help you understand how it applies to you.

Let us know how we can help you.

Practice areas

Bankruptcy and debtElder lawPersonal injuryConsumer protection
  1. Consumer protection: 40%

    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.

    25 years, 400 cases

  2. Personal injury: 25%

    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.

    25 years, 300 cases

  3. Elder law: 20%

    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.

    18 years, 100 cases

  4. Bankruptcy and debt: 15%

    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.

    25 years, 500 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

301 19th Street North
address map

301 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL, 35203

Alabama Consumer Website

Alabama Consumer Law Blog

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ALOccupational License - Authorized to Practice199503/29/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers239
Legal guides203
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2018
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2018
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2010
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2004
Law ReviewCumberland School of Law1993
Moot Court BoardCumberland School of Law1993
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerWatts & Herring, LLC2011 - Present
OwnerWatts Law Group, PC2006 - 2011
AttorneyYearout & Traylor, PC1995 - 2006
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Consumer AdvocatesMember2006 - Present
Alabama State Bar AssociationMember1995 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Jones School of Law Alumni -- "The Jones Brief"Untapped Revenue Source for the Solo Practioner: The Fair Credit Reporting Act2006
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Samford University, Cumberland School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1995
Indiana University-NorthwestBS - Bachelor of Science1992
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
WebinarNew RESPA Rules: Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure2014
WebinarTCPA Class Actions: Phone, Text and Fax Solicitation Claims on the Rise2013
WebinarFair Credit Reporting Act: Add a Revenue Stream to Your Firm and Make Happy Clients2013
WebinarDebt Collection in 2013: What Alabama Attorneys MUST Know2013
Leveraging TCPA Developments in Federal Jurisdiction, Class Suitability, and New TechnologyClass Actions For Telephone and Fax Solicitation (TCPA) Post Mims2013
ACICS ConferenceHow to Use Modern Marketing to Your Advantage Without Violating Federal Consumer Protection Regulations2013
Mortgage LitigationTrial Strategies When Fighting Foreclosures2010
Mortgage LitigationUsing The FDCPA and FCRA In Foreclosure Defense Cases2010
2010 Fair Debt Collection Practices Training ConferenceUsing The Telephone Consumer Protection Act And Fair Credit Reporting Act When Facing Abusive Debt Collectors2010
Successful Practice SeminarUsing Social Media In Marketing A Law Practice And In Litigation2009
Preventing Identity TheftPreventing Identity Theft2009
Jones School of Law Alumni MeetingUnderstanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act2009
Collections Law SeminarCredit Reporting By Debt Collectors and Defending Debt Collection Suits2008
ABICLE Collections LawCredit Reporting By Debt Collectors2008
WebinarTCPA Class Actions: Phone, Text and Fax Solicitation Claims on the RiseN/A
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Hope v. BSI FinancialMotion to dismiss was denied. 2012 WL 5379177
Carter v. Medicredit, Inc.Attorney fees awarded at $375 per hour. 2012 WL 4329294

Reviews

(165)
5 Star
98%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review John Watts

Case Dismissed With Prejudice

Posted by

When I first learned of the lawsuit was through your firm. I was shocked and angry because I knew that I had requested validation of this debt several times through three different collections agencies prior to this suit and I never received a response along with disputing this through the 3 credit bureaus and no results. I felt defeated and angry but when I pulled up your video and listened to this I felt a little better and I decided to contact your office. After talking to your firm I felt a great weight was lifted off me because I Thank you so much and I will be referring people to your office.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Lakeisha, it was great to represent you and thank you for sharing your experience with us. Thanks again and have a great day! John

Case Dismissed with Prejudice!!!!

Posted by

I hired Mr Watts after googling garnishments and lawsuits filed by debt collectors. I came across a video of Mr Watts explaining the process of how debt collectors work and how they get away with judgements. After watching the video, I had a glimpse of hope to hold on to. The debt collector had already filed two garnishments against me and were taking $865 from my check. I requested a consultation online hopeful for a lifeline, which is exactly what I got! Mr Watts was so understanding and informative. He didn’t pressure me to hire him and he gave me all the options that were available to me. I hired him after I filed my own answer to the court summons. Mr. Watts quickly withdrew my current answer and filed another requesting the case be dismissed with Prejudice. Mr. Watts handled my case most efficiently and got the results he was confident of! My case was dismissed with prejudice. I owe nothing! Mr. Watts will have Calvary remove it’s reporting to the credit agencies and I no longer have this worry hanging over my head! I would recommend Mr Watts’ services to anyone who finds themselves lost, depressed, or stressed by debt collection lawsuits and garnishments. Thank you Mr. Watts and your team!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Gail Berkowitz

Posted by

I was referred to Mr Watts by another attorney in Huntsville. He returned my call quickly and went over my case with me. I followed his direction and within a week he had a deal on the table, saving me thousands of dollars. Incredible attorney, I highly recommend him, very efficient and wise.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you Gail! It was a pleasure to represent you and thank you for leaving us some feedback. Have a great day! John

Midland review

Posted by

Thank you for getting my case cleared up. I appreciate everything you did. I will contact you if I ever need you again.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: You are very welcome -- we enjoyed representing you against Midland. Have a great day! John Watts

Case dismissed and easier than ordering pizza

Posted by

Like most people, I found these guys online. I had gotten a lawsuit by Calvary Portfolio asking for a $XXXX amount of money and had tried settling with them beforehand. They would not take anything less than what was on their lawsuit and stated they would see me in court. Long story short, I called John Watts and had gotten a summary of how it works. Settled on an agreed amount and signed some documents online. A little over a month later and I got an email signing another online document saying the case was dismissed with prejudice. Won't ever have to worry about this debt again and will be getting my credit boosted since it will be taken off my credit report. Trust me, I was hesitant about hiring a lawyer but this law firm makes it easy and without pressure.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Steven, Thank you for your feedback and letting us help you. We do try to make things easy -- life is hard enough! -- and we are always open to suggestions on how to make the process of hiring a lawyer easier. Thank you again for your kind review and have a great day! John Watts

Exceptional service!

Posted by

I hired Mr Watts after googling for options on what to do if being sued by a debt collector. I ran across a video of Mr Watts. I added a request online for a consultation. I figured “what do I have to loose?” Mr Watts was so kind and informative. He didn’t pressure me but gave me all the options that I had available. I hired him only 2 weeks prior to my court date. Mr Watts handled my case most efficiently and got the results he was confident of! My case was dismissed with prejudice. I owe nothing! Portfolio Recovery will remove it’s reporting to the credit agencies and I no longer have this worry hanging over my head! I would recommend Mr Watts’ services to anyone who finds themselves worried, confused, or stressed by the threats that debt collectors throw at you. I feel like these debt collectors treat people unfair and prey on their hardships. Thank goodness I had Mr Watts in my corner! I will forever be grateful!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Yvette, Thank you for the feedback! We enjoyed representing you and appreciate you letting us help you with your case. Thanks again for the kind review! John Watts

deed in lieu

Posted by

I contacted the firm to inquire about a deed in lieu. I spoke with Randi, the legal assistant. She was very helpful and provided me with information that I was having trouble finding on the internet.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
John Watts' response: Cynthia, Thanks for leaving us feedback -- glad Randi was able to help you! Hope all is going well for you. Thank you again for your feedback! John

GREAT JOB!!!

Posted by

I was sued by a collection agency and wasn't sure what to do. I came across Mr. Watts on YouTube. I contacted his office,the team member I spoke with was very friendly and professional,she didn't mind answering my questions and actually explaining what happens when you get sued by a collection agency. They're very affordable, Mr.Watts and his team kept me informed about my case. I was very satisfied with their services and would use them again if needed. Thank you again Mr. John Watts and Team!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you LaTonya for letting us represent you and for your review. Carolyn in my office is great -- glad you found working with her to be a pleasant experience. She is very good at helping explain things in a stressful situation of being sued. Thank you for being a great client and for leaving us feedback! John Watts

The Biggest Thank You.

Posted by

John Watts handled my case with great professionalism and care. While I was facing being sued by a debt collector, I stumbled upon his company while researching for help, and gave him a call. The process was very easy and affordable and he and his staff put my mind at ease. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much John for your help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you for your kind review! We do our best to make it as easy as possible to remove the roadblocks. We are always looking to improve so any suggestions on how to make the process easier are most welcome! Thanks again! John Watts

Passionate about justice!!

Posted by

Highly recommend. I've never been in a law suit before. Our first experience was w/Mrs. Carolyn. She was very understanding and very through in explaining the process and the possibilities their office could help with. She was also available or returned our calls quickly - before we even decided on an attorney! Our case was not really 'normal'. Sued by a debt collector on something that was questionable . Even more we had chosen an different attorney whom unfortunately requested to be released from the case due to lack of time a month before our court date. We did not really know what to do. John Watts not only listened to our personal situation, but he requested copies of all we could provide and pulled our case documents for review before our first conversation! When he called he was focused on us, our case and gave us our options AND gave us hope for the first time in this suit. His price was reasonable and in under a months time helped us put this behind us. He kept in contact throughout the process also. We can not say enough about how he not only handled our case but how he made us feel during the case. The compassion, the personalization, and the relief just knowing we had someone on our side fighting for us. I strongly recommend Mr. Watts and his team! Our sincerest Thanks to them all!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Heather, It was a great pleasure to represent you guys! Thank you so much for the very kind review. Being in the situation you were in is very stressful -- I know when I'm in positions where I don't know what to do I want to know the options. And the "good and bad" of each option. You guys were great at getting us documents and being very active in figuring out for yourselves which option was best for you. Thank you again for being such great clients and for the very helpful review you left -- we always like to know how we did and what we can do to improve. Carolyn is great and I'm glad you found her so helpful! You have a wonderful week! John Watts
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(26)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jon Lewis, Car accident 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, Personal injury 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, Criminal defense 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, Employee benefits 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, Mesothelioma and asbestos 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, Criminal defense 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, Chapter 7 bankruptcy 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, Military law Attorney on Jun 4, 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, Bankruptcy and debt 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, Consumer protection 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, Life insurance Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community.

Dorothy Bunce, Chapter 7 bankruptcy 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 12, 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, Bankruptcy and debt 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, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Feb 15, 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, Consumer protection Attorney on Feb 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Davis Nelson, Estate planning 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, Child custody Attorney on Sep 7, 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, Car accident Attorney on Feb 13, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer for efforts in education the public about many legal issues.

A. Webb, Lawsuits and disputes 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.

Cost

RATES
      RATES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-50%