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 16 - 20 of 52 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Josh | August 08, 2017 | Debt Collection
A guy you would hang around
I ran across John one day when I had been called and told the sky was falling by a debt that was 9 years old. John kept me informed of every aspect of the case and always did it with a smile on his face. He also educated me on my rights and how to handle anyone who calls with threats. I have enjoyed ...
John Watts
Replied last August 08, 2017Josh, I really appreciate your comments -- thanks! You stood up to these jokers -- glad we could help you. Thanks again my friend! John Watts
Posted by Caressa | August 08, 2017 | Debt Collection
Compassion and Results
We were targeted by a bully debt collector and felt very intimidated. John helped us understand our rights and explained to us how we can use the legal system to stand up for ourselves. He walked us through every step and we could not be happier with our results.
John Watts
Replied last August 08, 2017Caressa, You are right about some of these debt collectors are bullies. But when you stand up to them in the right way, good things happen. You guys did awesome and thanks for letting us help you. It was a real pleasure to work with the two of you. John Watts PS -- thanks for leaving us feedback!
Posted by Sue | August 08, 2017 | Bankruptcy & Debt
Review- John G. Watts
We received a summons we knew was incorrect, but the credit agencies were not interested at all in reviewing our request. I reached out to John Watts and was immediately put at ease that there were options for us. He clearly explained our rights under the credit laws and listened to my concerns. ...
John Watts
Replied last August 08, 2017Sue, Thank you for the review! We try to lay out the options -- that's what I like when I'm needing help. To understand my options in plain English. Thanks for letting us help you and for being such an easy client to work with. And we appreciate you leaving us feedback also! John Watts
Posted by Carleen | August 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Thank you John and Staff...Simply Outstanding
My sister and I were involved in a legal matter in the state of Alabama. We both reside in different states outside of Alabama, so we had the dilemma of finding an attorney licensed in the state of Alabama. After reading several reviews from clients, we decided to step out on faith and contacted Jo...
John Watts
Replied last August 07, 2017Carleen, Thank you for your kind feedback. It does become challenging when hiring lawyers in different states but you and your sister were perfect to work with. Everything we asked you answered and you made the experience a true pleasure. I'm glad we were able to wrap everything up and again thank you for hiring us and being so nice to work with! John Watts
Posted by Jeffery | August 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection
Stressed for 2 Years!
When I got served notice that I was being sued by a debt buyer 2 years ago, it felt like the end of the world. Immediately I started doing my research to figure out how to handle this. It was Circuit Court so I quickly learned this was a much more serious and involved process. I contacted John ear...
John Watts
Replied last August 07, 2017Jeffery, Thank you for the detailed review -- we appreciate it very much! What you describe is real life -- sometimes part of the reason to hire a lawyer is to take away the stress. I recently struggled and struggled to fix a plumbing problem. Cost me a lot of money trying to do it myself -- called a plumber and he commented how he loved very simple and easy jobs like this. :) Sometimes handling a case on your own (self represented or "pro se") is the way to go but other times it is better to hire someone. Best way to figure this out is to contact a lawyer that you have confidence in to help you go through your options. I'm glad you took the chance to reach out to us again right before trial -- and very happy we had a great success in your case. You stood strong -- refused to pay these guys any money -- and wonderful things happened. That took great courage on your part. The old line about courage -- not the absence of fear but acting in spite of the fear. You were right to be concerned about the trial -- it is a big deal. But you kept fighting and thank you for letting us help you. Appreciate the feedback and 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."
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