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John Clayton Colwell
About John
Biography
Attorney John C. Colwell is a Certified Legal Specialist in Bankruptcy Law. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon him by the CA Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of CA. John C. Colwell is one of only 12 certified legal specialists in San Diego County for Bankruptcy Law. Attorney Colwell is also the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and has dedicated his practice to consumer bankruptcy since 1985.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
34%
42 years | 3,000 cases
Bankruptcy and Debt
33%
42 years | 10,000 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
33%
42 years | 7,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 40 years
State: California
Acquired: 1985
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
26 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 15 of 26 reviews
Posted by Lloyd | October 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Swanson L&V
We had awesome experience with our Lawyer Mr. Colwell . He took time to listen to us and gave us sound advice. Not only is he good at what he does he really cares for his client’s. I highly recommend his services. His office administrator is the best you’ll love her too.
John Colwell
Replied last October 14, 2024So glad that your case went well, although we're not surprised! While a bankruptcy is a tough choice, it can also be the correcct one, and the discharge of debts leading to your 'fresh start' is the goal. Happy to have helped and for all of us here at the Debt Relief Legal Clinic, we say Thank You! John C. Colwell, Attorney, Debt Rellief Legal Clinic, 877-663-3287
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2024
Excellent communication
I spoke with him on Monday. He listened , he answered all my questions and was quick to give me more information. He really set my mind at ease
John Colwell
Replied last July 25, 2024Happy to have listened to your situation and give you some direction and perspective. We always strive to help, whether we are actually retained for a bankruptcy filing, or not. Thanks for you kind review, it is apprciated, since it will likely help other 'reach out' for answers, as well. 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 ...
John Colwell
Replied last July 18, 2024Thanks 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...
John Colwell
Replied last July 18, 2024Thanks, 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
Posted by Vanessa | June 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Wonderful law firm
Excellent lawyer, highly recommended . Will recommend to everyone who needs help.
John Colwell
Replied last June 13, 2024Thanks, Vanessa! We appreciate your positive experience and positive review. Glad to have helped you get through this and getting you your fresh start! John C. Colwell, Attorney, Debt Relief Legal Clinic.
John Clayton Colwell's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
Jenny Doling
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Melanie Pennycuff
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Pamela Stewart
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
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 AttorneysMember, 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
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Checking to see if I can still keep my truck on a seven or 13 bankruptcy
26 Sep 2025
Q&A
Can I no longer use a debt relief program so that I can file bankruptcy?
17 Apr 2025
Q&A
I did a chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2018 it was discharge when can I file another bankruptcy any alternative I can do ?
24 Oct 2024