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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 | Responsiveness
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 Michelle | April 26, 2025 | Bankruptcy & Debt
Great experience
My case was passed on to John half way through the process, so while we never met with him, when I did have questions he would respond right away and was always gracious with his time. Appreciate he stepped in to take us to the end of our final discharge. It was a pleasure and great experience workin...
Thank you Michelle for your kind words and favorable review. We were happy to 'hold hands' to get you to the finish line and your well deserved discharge of debt and fresh start. Congratulations! John C. Colwell, Attorney, 877-663-3287 www.DEBTCLINIC.com
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...
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 ...
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
"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