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 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Advocacy

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 Michael | March 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement

Chapter 13

I had 5 maxed out credit cards, I owed the IRS, had a 590.00 dollar a month car payment, I owed on personal loans, and now I only pay 360.00 dollars a month total.

John Colwell

Replied last March 26, 2024

Thanks for your review and comments! It is amazing what a well calculated Ch. 13 case can do. Wonders, if presented properly. We're glad to have helped you reduce your outstanding monthly payments and get control of the credit cards, the IRS and the car payment. Congratulations on getting your case approved! JCC

Posted by T.D. Sanders | March 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair

The greatest in the biz

I thought ignoring my issues like my Dad in the seventies worked. Well. If you want to attain anything today! Credit is a major part of a successful future. This man has changed my outlook cleaning my credit and taking away my stress instantaneous. No more calls or letters. Wanna feel like me stress... free. Call my guy John Colwell via text or email and all’s well my real true testimony Terrance D. Sanders

Posted by Alex | August 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

On My Side

Mr. Colwell was very understanding of my situation and handled my bankruptcy flawlessly, even when some of my bank funds had been frozen, even when my case was assigned to a “difficult” trustee, and even when, after three years, I needed to convert from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7. He explained everythi...ng in plain language, communicated timely, and truly made me feel he was on my side.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2014 | Debt Collection

Bonita office Staff

The Bonita office (Daniel & staff) assisted us with our filing. Daniel made it easy where when we went to court, it was easy as pie. Maria was on top of my concern when my paycheck had been garnished and she called in and followed up for me when asked. Thank you for making this easy when i thought ...it would be the longest thing I would ever have to do.

John Colwell

Replied last October 01, 2014

Thanks for your kind comments and positive review. I can say, of course, that I'm not surprised. Atty. Dan and Maria make a great team, along with the rest of our Bonita office. Congratulations on your fresh start. John C. Colwell, Debt Relief Legal Clinic, San Diego, CA

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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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
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