John Griffin Watts
About John
Biography
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:
- Don't know your rights; and/or
- Even if you know your rights you won't take action.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
31 years | 400 cases
31 years | 300 cases
31 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-50%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Alabama for 30 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of John Griffin Watts
301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL, 35203
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John Griffin Watts's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
201 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 50 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Tracy | August 14, 2017 | Credit Repair
Highly Recommended
I consulted with Mr. Watts regarding a false credit reporting/identity theft issue that was troubling me. Despite having a law degree myself, I found dealing with the behemoth financial institution causing the problem, and the complexities of disputing its report, to be overwhelming and unproductive...
John Watts
Replied last August 14, 2017Tracy, Thank you for leaving us feedback. False credit reporting (especially ID theft) is very frustrating. That's actually what got me started focusing on consumer protection issues -- dealing with this as I was buying a house. You were wonderful to chat with and while you did not need our help, I'm still glad you reached out to us. :) Thanks again for everything including the nice feedback. John Watts
Posted by Richard | August 14, 2017 | Debt Collection
Unquestionably the soundest consumer rights attorney available in the State of Alabama, at any price. His knowledge is profound
I found myself being sued by Midland Credit Management, alledging they were the owner of my credit card debt unpaid balance. Being sued is certainly intimadating and worrisome at best. Living in Maine, I contacted attorney after attorney only to find none interested in taking my case in small claims ...
John Watts
Replied last August 14, 2017Richard, Thank you for your kind words. So glad you were able to be successful in representing yourself. Sometimes it is smart to represent ourselves and sometimes we simply have no choice. You made the best of a very stressful situation and it is great that you won your cases! Glad our general information was of some help but you deserve all the credit -- you went into court. You stood up to these folks. You had a strategy. Great job and thanks for the kind words! John Watts
Posted by Lisa | August 14, 2017 | Debt Collection
Call John NOW if you are being harrassed or sued! Excellent attorney!
When I first received notification from LVNV that they were suing me, I was devastated and did not know where to turn. I was embarrassed and was afraid they would contact my employer. After many nights of no sleep, I googled “what to do if sued by debt collector†and I immediately found the inf...
John Watts
Replied last August 14, 2017Lisa, It is nice when the debt collectors go away but leave some money before they go away. :) It was wonderful to represent you and we really appreciate you allowing us to do so. You are exactly who we are wanting to help -- you do your research and then you are willing to take immediate massive action to help yourself. Thanks for doing that and letting us be a part of it! John Watts PS -- thanks for taking the time to leave us a review -- appreciate it!
Posted by Susan | August 14, 2017 | Debt Collection
John Watts was a lifesaver for me and he can be for you, too!
A short while ago, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. My husband had lost his job twice in the past few years, and our financial situation reflected that. Debtors and creditors alike were calling me night and day - with some threatening to sue. The last straw happened when ...
John Watts
Replied last August 14, 2017Susan, It was a true pleasure to represent you. Momentum is a powerful thing -- whether in our favor or against us. It certainly feels very tough when everything seems to be falling on us at the same time. Collectors calling night and day. Especially calling our work, etc. I'm so glad you did your research -- your "due diligence" -- and figured out your rights and then you took action. Many just learn. But you learned and took action. That's why these jokers left you alone and why they paid a settlement -- because you took action against them. Thanks for the kind review -- we really enjoyed representing you. So glad you felt peace afterward -- that's what we are looking for! Thanks! John Watts
Posted by Tomeka | August 14, 2017 | Debt Collection
Thanks a lot !
I am writing to express my appreciation for Attorney Watts with a recent issue with a credit collection agency. Attorney Watts assisted me with an issue that was damaging to my credit and painful to me. I was provided with information about my rights against credit collection agencies. After talking ...
John Watts
Replied last August 14, 2017Tomeka, It was our pleasure to help you. Thank you for leaving us feedback. Half the battle is knowing your rights against abusive debt collectors and the other half is taking action. You learned your rights and then you took the time to act. Best wishes and thanks again! John Watts
John Griffin Watts's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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 is one of the best consumer lawyers in Alabama."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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 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."
"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."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal 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"
"I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable and takes and puts his client's interests first."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Car accident lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Debt collection lawyer
Car accident lawyer
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Elder law lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Class action lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Law Review, Cumberland School of Law
1993
Moot Court Board, Cumberland School of Law
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Owner, Watts & Herring, LLC
2006 - 2011
Owner, Watts Law Group, PC
1995 - 2006
Attorney, Yearout & Traylor, PC
Associations
2006 - Present
National Association of Consumer AdvocatesMember
1995 - Present
Alabama State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Motion to dismiss was denied. 2012 WL 5379177
Attorney fees awarded at $375 per hour. 2012 WL 4329294
Education
1995
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
2013
2010
2010
2010
2009
Using Social Media In Marketing A Law Practice And In Litigation
2009
Preventing Identity Theft
2009
Understanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
2008
Credit Reporting By Debt Collectors and Defending Debt Collection Suits
2008
Credit Reporting By Debt Collectors
N/A
TCPA Class Actions: Phone, Text and Fax Solicitation Claims on the Rise
Publications
2006
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
How should i go about representing myself in a collections lawsuit ?
10 Apr 2024
How do I get a continuance if I still do not have a lawyer after contacting the bar associates? They said for me to ask
30 Apr 2023
During a loan modification, does the foreclosure sale date still appear in newspaper publications ?
09 Oct 2019
Legal Guides
What damages can I get if I sue under the FCRA for false credit reporting in Alabama?
18 Jul 2019
How will I know whether or not I've won my Alabama debt collection lawsuit?
18 Jul 2019
Can I use the TCPA to sue my credit card company for blowing up my cell phone?
18 Jul 2019