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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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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 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Wendy | December 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Help with financial stability with Debt Relief Legal Clinic
Mr. Caldwell works hard to get all paperwork finalized at my pace. He never pushes the customer as he truly understands the meaning of the customer is always right. I've been working with him for over 20 years. Since I was 21 when I had medical bills I couldn't pay and now trying to recover the covid...
Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation. As you know, reviews can be very helpful for folks who are in financial pain but have no idea where to turn. Your experience has been drawn out, but thankfully solutions do exist, even in the most dire situations. Glad to have been of service and congratulations on your fresh start! John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287 Debt Relief Legal Clinic [email protected] www.DEBTCLINIC.com
Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Awesome experience
I was told by other lawyers I made too much money for chapter 7. This was not the case.The whole team was incredible and now I’m debt free and have that massive monkey off my back.
The 'means' test is complicated, and even experienced practitioners will get caught up in the mathematics. The common misconception is that if you are 'over the line' for your household size, you can't file a bankruptcy. That is simply not true. If one is higher income and over the line, the math becomes more difficult, certainly, and sometimes it is true, there's too much money for Ch. 7 (leading to a Ch. 13 payment plan, instead), but, like a tax return, if the applicable deductions are applied correctly, many times folks can be brought back down 'below the line' and pass the means test for Ch. 7 eligibility. We're very glad that the numbers were calculated such that you did pass the 'means' test and your Ch. 7 case was successful and has gone to discharge of debts. Congratulations! John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287 Debt Relief Legal Clinic [email protected] www.DEBTCLINIC.com
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 ...
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 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...
Thanks, 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 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...
"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