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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 1 - 1 of 1 review | Foreclosure
Posted by Terry | July 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
He was the best we could have hoped for
I do not normally write reviews but John Colwell was such an outstanding experience and with his skill as a lawyer in this area. I hope I can convey what a help and comfort he was in a very difficult complicated transaction. We were in jeopardy of losing our home of many years because of a predator...
John Colwell
Replied last July 25, 2022Thank you very much, Terry. I remember your case and the troubles and uncertainties we worked through to the successful conclusion. The outcome was extraordinary, under the circumstances, I know you would agree. We're very happy that your experience with our office was 'above and beyond'. We strive to achieve that level of representation for all of our clients. Congratulations to both you and your wife for hanging in there and helping get your situation resolved. It was a pleasure helping you out. JCC
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