John Clayton Colwell

John Clayton Colwell

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Chapter 13 bankruptcy Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy & Debt

121 Broadway, Ste. 533, San Diego, CA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 34%

42 years | 3,000 cases

34%
Bankruptcy and Debt 33%

42 years | 10,000 cases

33%
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 33%

42 years | 7,000 cases

33%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 40 years

State: California

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Debt Relief Legal Clinic

121 Broadway, Ste. 533, San Diego, CA, 92101-5022

Debt Relief Legal Clinic

46 Third AVe., Ste. D, Chula Vista, CA, 91910

Debt Relief Legal Clinic

122 Civic Center Drive, Ste. 204, Vista, CA, 92084

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John Clayton Colwell's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (26) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews | Bankruptcy & Debt

Posted by Michelle | April 26, 2025 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Great experience

My case was passed on to John half way through the process, so while we never met with him, when I did have questions he would respond right away and was always gracious with his time. Appreciate he stepped in to take us to the end of our final discharge. It was a pleasure and great experience workin...g with him.

John Colwell

Replied last May 06, 2025

Thank you Michelle for your kind words and favorable review. We were happy to 'hold hands' to get you to the finish line and your well deserved discharge of debt and fresh start. Congratulations! John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287 www.DEBTCLINIC.com

Posted by Adam | November 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Absolutely Recommend

John and the entire team are fantastic. Bankruptcy can be a scary and overwhelming process, even for an attorney (me). John made it as smooth and painless as possible, and put my mind at ease. I couldn't recommend him more.

John Colwell

Replied last November 13, 2024

Thanks, Adam! Dan, Lupe and I appreciate your kind review. We held hands and got it done, with you doing the heavy lifting! Happy to have helped and congratulations on your discharge and fresh start. John C. Colwell, Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic, 877-663-3287

Posted by Kim | October 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Very prompt service

My bankruptcy was transferred to John and his team. I had a lot of questions throughout the process. I was never made to feel that my questions were a bother. They always responded quickly to me. Which helped to ease my mind. I would definitely call them if I needed help in the future. Awesome peopl...e to work with!!

John Colwell

Replied last October 20, 2024

Thank you Kim. We were privileged to take on your case and help you see it through to completion and discharge. Congratulations on your 'fresh start'! John C. Colwell, Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic, 877-663-3287

Posted by Greg | July 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

The only Choice!!!

After talking to several Bankruptcy Lawyers, we had our consultation with John C Colwell at DRLC. It is never easy sharing your financial problems, but right away John made us feel at ease. He was very knowledgeable of the bankruptcy laws. He explained all of our choices and what we could expect if ...we were to file bankruptcy, John then took the time to answer all our questions. He was never judgmental because of our situation. He was kind and personable. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured to file (unlike other firms we talked to). After the meeting we knew John was the right choice! In addition the fees were very reasonable for the quality of service. They even allowed us to make payments. Mr Colwell and his team, especially Lupe were amazing!! They both guided us through the process step by step. Always returning our calls promptly and keeping us on track. Many thanks and gratitude to them. So glad this challenging time is over. It’s a new beginning for us. We are very happy with Mr Colwell’s advice and representation . We 100% recommend John C Colwell and the DRLC to anyone who needs bankruptcy or debt relief advice!! It’s the only choice!

John Colwell

Replied last July 18, 2024

Thanks very much, Greg! We're very happy that your case went well and you have your discharge of debts. We know seeking out an attorney for help can be scary, but we do strive to make the process as easy as can be, without drama. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to assisting others that may need our help. Congratulations! John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287

Posted by Horacio | June 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7

John and his team at Debt Clinic were extremely helpful and made my bankruptcy process very smooth. I was honestly surprised at how easy he made it look. All I had to do was get every piece of information from my part and he took care of the rest. My experience with John was great and I would recomme...nd him to ANYONE. I actually lagged with my information, it took me a while to get my stuff together but he was still very patient and understanding. Thank you for all your help, John!

John Colwell

Replied last July 18, 2024

Thanks, Horacio! Yes, the paperwork can be a hassle, but in doing everything correctly and giving them what is required, makes the process go smoothly. We've done it all before, and we're here to help others in financial pain, and we'll do it again. We're so pleased that your case went well and that you are on your way to your well deserved fresh start. Congratulations. John C. Colwell, Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic, 877-663-3287

See All Client Reviews

John Clayton Colwell's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Jenny L. Doling headshot
Jenny Doling

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend John Colwell. Not only is he a well-respected bankruptcy attorney in his community, he is known nationwide as a leader in the bankruptcy area of law. He's been the President of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) for two terms. He worked with Senator Wieckowski's office to help change California's homestead exemption laws to protect homeowners. He's worked on and is working on legislative efforts at the federal level, as well. His experience and the compassion he shows his clients is extraordinary. I am honored to be his colleague."

Richard D. Granvold headshot
Richard Granvold

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Why? If all attorneys providing answers on AVVO took the time to completely try and answer a question in detail showing like Mr. Colwell does, their knowledge, accurate and complete and thorough advice, then AVVO would have the cream of the crop. Look at all his answers to questions and you can see why John is entitled to such a great endorsement. Great job and appreciated by a peer in Washington State. I highly recommend this attorney for any bankruptcy-related work."

Carol Ann Colliersmith headshot
Carol Colliersmith

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John Colwell is an excellent bankruptcy attorney. He provides his clients with wonderful representation. He is knowledgeable and hardworking. John is a real leader in the national bankruptcy community. It is a pleasure to work with him. I endorse this lawyer!"

John Thomas Black headshot
John Black

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known John for many years. He is an outstanding consumer bankruptcy lawyer with a national reputation. He is a director of the National Assn. of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, a 5000-member attorney group, and he speaks regularly on bankruptcy issues."

View All Endorsements
Jenny L. Doling headshot
Jenny Doling

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Melanie Donna Pennycuff headshot
Melanie Pennycuff

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Pamela L. Stewart headshot
Pamela Stewart

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Certified Specialist, State Bar of California

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Managing Attorney, Law Offices of John C. Colwell, a PLC dba Debt Relief Legal Clinic

1994 - 2000

Associate Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic - Reed V. Langlois

1989 - 1993

Associate Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic - George Ritner

1985 - 1988

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Michael H Dodge

Associations

1994 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member, Board of Directors, President 2017 -

Education

N/A

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Ripon College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

21st Annual Winter Leadership Conference Should Congress Reform Bankruptcy Reform?

2000

Unknown

San Diego County Bar Association Free Law Day

2000

The debtor’s perspective

CA Credit Union Collectors Council Convention

1999

Nat. Assoc. Of Cons.

Bankruptcy Attorneys Convention

1997

Panel on Bankruptcy

Continuing Legal Education

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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