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 | Character & Conduct

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

If I could give this firm 10 stars, I would!

I was really hesitant about filing for bankruptcy and had consultations lined up with a few different lawyers. After my consultation with John, I canceled the rest right away and decided to move forward with him. What stood out was his experience, confidence, empathy, and the way he actually listen...ed and understood me. He made a very stressful process feel manageable and less scary and provided me with the reassurance I needed. John and his team are fast, efficient, and always responsive. Whether I reached out by phone, email, or text, they got back to me quickly every time. Choosing to work with John and his firm was honestly the best decision I could’ve made.

John Colwell

Replied last November 23, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind review and the high praise for our entire Debt Relief Legal Clinic team. We are honored that we could provide the reassurance and efficient service needed to make a stressful process feel manageable. Providing compassionate, responsive support to clients like you is exactly what we strive for, and your feedback confirms we are achieving our goal. John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287 Debt Relief Legal Clinic [email protected] www.DEBTCLINIC.com

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Bankruptcy doesn't have to be painful!

Debt Relief Legal Clinic was so easy to work with. They made us feel comfortable telling our story without guilt. They were always available and accessible whenever we had questions. All of them were so kind and that really helped going through such a stressful time. They walked us through each step ...of the way. I'm so glad we found them and I would highly recommend them to anyone going through bankruptcy.

John Colwell

Replied last August 09, 2025

Thank you very much for your kind comments and review. As we all know, heartfelt and legitimate reviews, such as yours, will help others 'reach out' to see what benefits (or not) that bankruptcy can provide. Hard working Americans know that bankruptcy is not a four letter word, but a process that can be efficiently applied to each persons situation, for maximum benefit. We're very happy that you received your well deserved discharge of debt and your fresh start. John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287, Debt Relief Legal Clinic, www.DEBTCLINC.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 Mark | June 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Simply the best!

Professional and polite. Always treated me with respect. Great communications. Go with John C. Colwell, and Debt Relief Legal Clinic for your Bankruptcy needs.

John Colwell

Replied last June 22, 2023

Thank you very much, Mark, for your kind words and recommendation. It is much appreciated. All of us here at the Debt Relief Legal Clinic try hard to handle each person and each case with care and compassion. We understand the stress of the past financial difficulties, the concern over the filing of a Bankruptcy and the happiness when that discharge order is entered and you have your 'fresh start'. Congratulations, and thanks again! JCC

Posted by Fernando Perez | June 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Thanks

Even though we still haven't finalized my case, I feel compelled to share my initial consultation with Mr. Colwell's team (Dan Weidecker was my lawyer) in their Bonita office. To start off, I had gone to a couple of offices and my experience was that do to the specifics of my case, they s...eemed to want to prolong the process in order to maximize their returns. I did needed to execute on my case, but still had felt comfortable with my prior experiences. Fortunately for me, I found this office and after 15 minutes, I knew I had found the place to execute on my case. After an hour, i felt comfortable to hire this office. The sincerity in and knowledge of Mr. Dan W gave me great confidence about the process, specially since I had other experiences to compare. Don't want to generalize, but if you want a good attorney, don't waste your time and go with Mr. Colwell's team.

John Colwell

Replied last June 30, 2018

Any kind of Bankruptcy isn't easy. It can be a troublesome time and a high anxiety decision. As you have discovered, with compassionate legal help, the process can be beneficial and rewarding. We're here to help. Period. Dan and Maria in the now Chula Vista office are the best of teams. Part of our core group of attorneys and employees that focus on what is best for you. There is a way out of financial pain, and we can help. Thank you so much for your kind words and review! John C. Colwell, Debt Relief Legal Clinic. www.sandiegodebtclinic.com .

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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