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 31 - 35 of 52 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Shannon | June 03, 2016 | Debt Collection
AMAZING!
We were scared, confused, angry, and feeling rather hopeless. Then we scheduled a consultation. John Watts stepped in and took charge of a case we could not begin to understand. He explained everything he was doing each step of the way. He represented us when we were being sued by Midland Funding. We...
John Watts
Replied last June 03, 2016Shannon -- thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. Being sued by Midland Funding is a scary thing to go through. We always have to look at any challenging situation and say, "Where's the good I can find here or how can I turn this negative situation into a positive one?" You did a great job of keeping your confidence up and taking action. Thank you for letting us help you and for your helpful feedback. John Watts
Posted by Frederick | June 03, 2016 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Debt Collection Case in Small Claims Court
Attorney Watts and his team listened to my case and explained clearly my options. He was curtious and followed-up on my case without being pushy. He explained what I should expect from the opposing attorneys and the Court process. He described what I needed to do to respond. The process unfolded muc...
John Watts
Replied last June 03, 2016Frederick, I'm so glad you took the time to give us some feedback. You deserve the credit for winning your case and what happened with you can be done by many folks in Alabama. Try your own small claims case. It saves money and if you win, we can often sue the debt collector. It is not for everybody but you are a perfect example of someone who took the initiative, found out your options, picked one, and then executed that option perfectly. So congratulations and I'm glad we had the chance to play a small role in your big victory. John Watts
Posted by JP JP | May 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection
John is EXCELLENT, get your peace of mind back!!!
My review is lengthy but I want people to know if you find yourself in a situation like mine, there is help. I received a letter in the mail I was being sued by a debt collector. My heart just sank when I read what was happening. I went through many sleepless nights wondering what to do and how I ...
John Watts
Replied last May 16, 2016JP, Thank you for sharing your experience in your review. What you described about the fear and sleepless nights -- that's exactly what these debt buyers want you to experience so that you feel it is all hopeless and you give up. I'm so glad you did not do that but instead investigated your options. We never want someone to take anything on blind faith but instead to discovery your options by investigating and doing your due diligence. We do our best to update our clients frequently and it is nice to know that this was helpful to you. Thank you for your recommendation and your review and most importantly for trusting us to help you in this difficult situation. Thanks again! John Watts
Posted by Edward | April 26, 2016 | Debt Collection
Debt Collectors
I had Mr. Watts represent me in a case back in June of 2014 against Midland Funding LCC. Mr. Watts and his team did such a great job that I am currently seeking their assistance again with another legal matter. It was a relief to have such a dedicated team working on my case while allowing me to focu...
John Watts
Replied last April 26, 2016Edward, We enjoyed representing you and thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback. Some folks don't like to be kept up to date but we find most do -- glad you enjoyed knowing what was happening with your case. Thanks again for your review and letting us help you! John Watts
Posted by Terry | April 16, 2016 | Debt Collection
Great People, Great Experience.
From the moment I contacted John Watts, I was confident this was the right person for me to work with. He talked to me and explained the process of dealing with a debt collector with specific details, laid out all of my options and gave me recommendations on what I could do. He was a kind and profess...
John Watts
Replied last April 16, 2016Terry, Thank you for your review. Our process is to lay out your options and help you to decide for yourself what is your best option -- you let us do that. And then you took action. Thanks for the kind comments -- easy when you have great team members like we have -- they make us look good. :) It was our pleasure to help you and represent you and we wish you the best! 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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Personal injury lawyer
Car accident lawyer
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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