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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.
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Practice Areas
42 years | 3,000 cases
42 years | 10,000 cases
42 years | 7,000 cases
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1985
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121 Broadway, Ste. 533, San Diego, CA, 92101-5022
46 Third AVe., Ste. D, Chula Vista, CA, 91910
122 Civic Center Drive, Ste. 204, Vista, CA, 92084
26 Client Reviews
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...
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 ...
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.
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.
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...
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 .
"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."
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Certified Specialist, State Bar of California
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
1994 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember, Board of Directors, President 2017 -
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2009
2000
San Diego County Bar Association Free Law Day
2000
CA Credit Union Collectors Council Convention
1999
Bankruptcy Attorneys Convention
1997
Continuing Legal Education
Spanish
Legal Answers
Checking to see if I can still keep my truck on a seven or 13 bankruptcy
26 Sep 2025
Can I no longer use a debt relief program so that I can file bankruptcy?
17 Apr 2025
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