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 65 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | August 07, 2017 | Debt Collection
Just a question
I called reguarding a garnishment that I have that has been going on for a while. I was immediately put a the phone with aomeone who looked into my case and went over my options. She tried her hardest and found a possible solution for me even though she didnt have to. I wish I would have found them ...
John Watts
Replied last August 07, 2017Garnishments are very scary -- glad we could give you some thoughts and suggestions for how to handle the situation. About finding us sooner -- lots of things I wish I had figured out earlier. :) What's the old saying, "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today." True! Important thing is we take action now which is exactly what you did. Thanks for contacting us and thank you for proving us feedback -- we appreciate it! John Watts
Posted by Tina | December 12, 2016 | Bankruptcy & Debt
What a relief! Somone who understands and is willing to help
I thought that I would have to deal with my debt on my own for the rest of my life and quite frankly I did not know what I was going to do. I hated the way being in debt made me feel and the insecurities I had in dealing with my creditors and even a pending judgement. I set out on a quest to find s...
John Watts
Replied last December 12, 2016Tina, Thank you for leaving us such detailed feedback! Debt can be crippling and make us kind of "freeze" where we don't take any action. But normally taking action is what we need to do. I appreciate that you were willing to take the initiative. You investigated your options and then made a decision -- that is so important. Thank you again for leaving us a review and we are happy to have the chance to work with you. Best wishes! John Watts
Posted by Toby | December 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
Stopped the Foreclosure on our Home
I would hire this law firm in a second, since they saved our house from foreclosure. A top notch no nonsense legal team that will help you fight the battle, but you must buy-in to the process. We almost waited too long to yell for help, so park your pride and reputation at the door, dive in and liste...
John Watts
Replied last December 01, 2016Thank you Toby for the very kind review you gave us. Facing a foreclosure is very scary. For many of us, when we face something scary we tend to bury our head in the sand and hope that it will go away. But your review is spot on -- you have to take action. Sooner than later. Thanks again for your kind words and your encouragement to people who are facing a foreclosure to take action. That's our mission -- help people understand their rights when it comes to a foreclosure in Alabama and then take the right action immediately. Appreciate you taking the time to review us! John Watts
Posted by Roxanne | December 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
Saved Our Home The DAY Before Foreclosure!
Due to a loss of income, our home was in foreclosure. We reached out to several organizations for help, all of which wasted the remaining time we had to take action against the foreclosure. The day before the sale, we were frantic, hopeless and helpless until I remembered I had spoken to John Watts i...
John Watts
Replied last December 01, 2016Roxanne, Thank you for leaving us this review -- we appreciate it! You were very kind in your review but you left out the part about you taking massive action. We helped in a small way but you were the one that had to get things done immediately and you did those things perfectly! It makes it much easier for us to help folks when they are committed to taking whatever action is needed to save their home. Thanks again for taking the time to leave this review and for letting us help you. John Watts
Posted by Tim | December 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection
Debt buyers
I got sued by a debt buyer and I didn't know what to do or how to handle this so I started doing internet searches for my options everywhere I turned was one name that stood out over the rest and it was John watts I was skeptical at first but I talked with his office and was told John would contact m...
John Watts
Replied last December 01, 2016Tim, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate you taking the chance to reach out to us -- it is good to be skeptical as there is a lot of bad information on the internet. Thank you for being such a good client -- it makes our job easier when we know we can rely on good people like you. Have a great day and thanks again for the very nice review you left us! 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