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John Griffin Watts

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Avvo Rating10
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Licensed for 25 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.
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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.

    26 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.

    26 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.

    19 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.

    26 years, 500 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

301 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL, 35203

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ALOccupational License - Authorized to Practice199507/19/2021
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

(178)
5 Star
98%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review John Watts

Case dismissed with prejudice.

Posted by

I was being sued by a debt buyer. At 5:30pm while eating dinner with my family the Sheriff's Dept. showed up at my house to serve me civil papers. I have never had this happen before. I was very nervous to this whole process, I couldn't even finish my meal. I began immediately googling all the what ifs when I came across one of Mr. Watts videos, the next morning I made the call that changed everything for me. When the call was over I had a huge feeling of relief. Mr. Watts and his team are second to none.. Best in the State. They always kept me updated on my case and the process, I had no more worries. A few weeks later my case was dismissed with prejudice.. Thank you Mr. Watts and team for all your help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lawsuit

Posted by

Got my lawsuit drop was real happy with the results great lawer would tell anyone about them would use them again if I need to thank you so much
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client

Posted by

I hired Watts & Herring and they settled a debt matter for me and they worked with me from start to finish, I highly recommend this firm to anyone who is pressured by debts that have sold to other collection companies that try to persue matters unfairly,, thank you for everything God Bless!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Case dismissed with prejudice

Posted by

I tried an online lawyer from California to reduce a major credit card debt. I paid him and ended up sued in court. I then got ahold of John Watts. He and his firm handled everything for me. Case was dismissed with prejudice and I am so grateful for his very capable help. Do not hesitate to use his services. AAA+++
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

GRATEFUL!!!

Posted by

I received a letter from Watts weeks before receiving the summons! Its like they reached out to me in advance because I wouldn't have had a clue otherwise! It was a big relief and I will be eternally grateful for the help that I received. As a result, the case was dismissed with prejudice! Thank you so much!!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Debt collector

Posted by

i was being sued by a debt collector and Watts & Herring LLC helped by with no hassle and I did not have to go to court. They went to court for me and settled the case.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you for letting us help you and we are glad you found it to be no hassle! We appreciate you taking time to leave us a review. Have a great day! John Watts

Case dismissed with Prejudice

Posted by

Mr. Watts is very nice and excellent at working on your case. He took care of everything for me and I did not have to worry about it anymore. I would not think twice about contacting Mr. Watts again if needed. I highly recommend Mr. Watts.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Willie thank you for your kind review! We enjoyed representing you and thank you for giving us the chance to help you. Have a great day! John Watts

Mr. Watts

Posted by

Mr. Watts and his team were absolutely excellent in handling my case. All of the info they needed was provided and they moved quickly to resolve my case..
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you very much for the feedback! I'm glad to hear that you were treated well by our team -- they are very good and make me look good. :). Seriously, I'm glad you are happy with our service and we appreciate you taking the time to give us a review! John Watts

Great council while being very empathetic with my issue.

Posted by

Could not have been more happy with my council I received from John. He was very warm and empathetic for what I was going through and in a business world that has become merely transactional, that goes a long way. It is nice to know someone actually cares about your situation and you can tell he actually cares and its not just lip service.. John immediately shared with me similar cases he had helped and the best plan of action for myself. A great experience and I would highly recommend John if you need legal council!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
John Watts' response: Rob, Thank you for leaving us feedback -- we appreciate it very much! Glad to help and hope everything is going great for you. Thanks again for taking the time to leave us a review! John Watts

The Absolute Best

Posted by

Absolutely the best at what he does, and explains the entire process to you. It is very special to have someone who can answer questions before you ask them. You don't have to worry about a single thing, because it is then in the hands of THE consumer law expert. You may feel anxious, but you don't have to. Hire John Watts to take care of business for you.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
John Watts' response: Thank you very much for your feedback! We try to explain the process but we always welcome questions. Thanks for taking the time to write your review! John Watts
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(26)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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

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

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.

Cost

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%
PAYMENT METHODS