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 161 - 165 of 201 reviews
Posted by Mike | February 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
John is the real deal
I strongly recommend John Watts to anyone having legal problems. He is so polite and nice I told him he was not what I was expecting! I called him about a lawsuit and was near the deadline to file an answer on and I had no clue how to handle even that simple step. Within two days he had resolved the ...
John Watts
Replied last February 09, 2016Mike, Thank you for the review -- appreciate it! Funny about not what expecting -- I like people to be nice to me so I do my best to be nice to others. :) You did a great job taking action -- so many people wait till time runs out and then they have a huge problem -- a default judgment. Very happy to have the opportunity to help you out and again we appreciate the kind testimonial very much! Have a good one! John Watts
Posted by Jennifer | February 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
Mr. John Watts - Great Lawyer, Exceptional Person
Mr. Watts and his staff have been a beacon of light at the end of a very dark tunnel (for anyone going through a home foreclosure) but especially for me. There is a bounty of free information on his website, alabamaconsumer.com, where he also answers questions and even refers people to other attorney...
John Watts
Replied last February 08, 2016Thank you Jennifer for the nice words in your review. Especially after a foreclosure in Alabama, it is tough. You start getting threatening letters to move out and then you get sued to force you out. I'm glad our information was helpful -- we try to provide as much practical information as possible so folks can make good decisions on what to do. And it makes it better when we chat so we can focus on options rather than covering the basics. Thanks again for your very nice review and I'm happy that Carolyn and Melissia were so helpful to you. Best wishes! John Watts
Posted by James | February 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Smooth experience in stressful situation
I'm writing to help anyone dealing with creditors, harassment, and anxious about protecting your assets. I found myself in this position and after watching several of Mr. Watts' videos, decided to give him a call. The videos were so informative I went into the initial consultation feeling confident a...
John Watts
Replied last February 01, 2016James, We appreciate your review! Thanks for taking the time to leave it for us. Its always nice to know someone finds the videos helpful -- I know I like to find information when I'm looking for information so that's why we share the videos about consumer protection issues. I understand about anxiety -- for any of us if we are in a new situation and we don't understand the "rules of the game" then it is not a pleasant feeling. Glad we could help reduce your anxiety. It has been our pleasure to help you -- often times these debt collectors will come after us even when we don't owe the money. Hopefully these jokers have gotten the message to not mess with you -- that you are not going to ignore the lawsuits like so many do. Thanks again for your very kind review! John Watts
Posted by Vicki | January 30, 2016 | Debt Collection
Extremely helpful and professional
I contacted John Watt's office after receiving a letter from an attorney regarding past debt. I was so confused and disturbed by the letter; I didn't know what to do. After watching numerous videos on You Tube of Mr. Watts explaining different legal matters, I filled out a contact form on his websi...
John Watts
Replied last January 30, 2016Vicki, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Usually these debt collection letters come out of the blue -- I know in your case that is the situation. I'm happy that everyone followed up with you and treated you with respect. As far as a plan of action -- that is critical to have in order to have some peace of mind. The collectors are counting on us NOT having a plan and instead simply being forced to react. But you had a plan of action and you have worked that plan very well. It has been a pleasure to work with you and thank you again for your very nice thoughts about our firm. John Watts
Posted by Brian | January 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection
I Represent that John Watts legal services are EXCELLENT!
I was sued by Midland, a company who had "purchased" an old debt of mine, and was attempting to collect on it, and as the single income of a family of 8, I was terrified. There was no way we could pay that, and although I wished to make good on my debt someday, I wanted to pay my debtor, not some thi...
John Watts
Replied last January 20, 2016Brian, Thanks for your comments and review. I'm happy that our team kept you informed -- they are wonderful at that. Makes my job easy to have a great team around me. Very glad Midland decided to go away so that you could put this behind you. We enjoyed representing you and thank you again for your very kind words! Best wishes! 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."
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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