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About Mark
Biography
I have been a Chicagoan my entire adult life and am a third-generation real estate attorney. Needless to say, real estate runs through my veins and I am very familiar with this world-class city and the surrounding area. I received my degree from John Marshall Law School—the same school from which my grandfather graduated—and since 2017, I have served as Secretary on the board of a 900 unit condo building.
I believe the goal in a real estate transaction is, “everyone’s a winner.” Someone wants to buy a property and someone wants to sell a property. And when this transaction closes—assuming the offer to purchase is genuine—everyone benefits from its completion.
Because of this, there is not a whole lot of “one-upping” in a real estate transaction. I have a duty to represent my client’s interest, yet it does not come at the expense of my working relationship and collaboration with the other party. Both parties need to work together to achieve an optimal outcome—in that way, our interests are aligned, no matter which side of the table we are sitting on. Often times real estate is black and white, and it makes for a smooth transaction. I am passionate about what I do because I like when everyone wins.
When you work with me, you will receive personalized service. I am proudly a one-man shop. When you call my office, I answer the phone. I write all my letters, prepare all the necessary documents, and answer all my emails.
Want to know a little more about me? Here are a few fun facts, because I like to think I am fun and interesting:
I am from a large family: I am one of ten kids. Six girls and four boys. I have fifteen nieces and nephews and am a Godparent to many of them.
I was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune in 2008. The show was filming in Chicago and did a week’s worth of shows for College Week. I represented UIC.
My sisters think I am lucky (they might be jealous about it, too). I won Wheel of Fortune, I won a Chicago Cubs split the pot raffle, and generally, when I need them to, things tend to work out.
If you are considering buying or selling a property, do not hesitate to contact me.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 8 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Location
Grotto Law Offices
711 W Gordon Ter, Chicago, IL, 60613
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Mark Joseph Grotto's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
290 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 46 - 50 of 104 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Scott | May 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Hire Mark!
I hired Mark for my first property purchase and he was a pleasure to work with. The closing was smooth and he even helped me move it to an earlier date to accommodate my schedule. Mark was personable, explicit, diligent, and always available to chat about any concerns that I had. To add, even my lend...
Posted by Andrew | April 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Residential
Attentive
Mark was as advertised by someone that recommended him to me for the purchase of my home in Oak Park. Attentive and quick to answer any questions I had. He will have your best interests at heart. Thanks again!
Posted by Troy | April 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Amazing First Time Homebuyer Representation
We used Mark as our lawyer for our first time buying a home. He was thorough and prompt with his responses throughout the process and was patient and explained everything in terms we could understand in person. We highly recommend Mark and would gladly use him again!
Posted by Brooke Bosak @properties | January 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Mark is the best in the business
I have worked with Mark on over 20 transactions for my buyers/sellers. He is hands down the best attorney I've worked with in my career. His professionalism, care for my clients, expertise in his field, and determination to get every deal done quickly and efficiently is why my clients and I love work...
Posted by Mike | January 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
THOUGHTFUL, DILIGENT, EXCELLENT ADVISOR
Mark handled a sometimes troublesome real estate transaction with skill and perseverance. Kept my interests in mind at all times and protected them. Could not recommend him more highly.
Mark Joseph Grotto's Lawyer Endorsements
"As a fellow real estate attorney in the community, I whole-heartedly endorse Mark Grotto. Besides being knowledgeable, patient, courteous, and professional, he is very attentive to detail and a true advocate for his clients' needs. Many real estate attorneys put the bare minimum into their files, but not Mark. He's incredibly efficient and organized and makes sure that any issues are addressed before closing so that the closing goes as smoothly as possible. There are many real estate attorneys out there, but few of his caliber."
"Mark is a phenomenal attorney! He is extremely detailed and thorough, which is important in Real Estate Law. Mark is extremely responsive and makes himself available to address any questions that his clients may have. I've worked with Mark on several matters, and I know that clients are always in good hands. I happily refer Mark to my divorce and family law clients who are in need of real estate legal services."
Sandra Emerson
Residential real estate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Clients’ Choice Award 2020, Avvo
2019
Clients’ Choice Award 2019, Avvo
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Principal, Grotto Law Offices
2017 - 2018
Associate, Taege Law Offices
2015 - 2017
Clerk, Taege Law Offices
Associations
2014 - Present
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoMember
2014 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
Education
2017
John Marshall Law School, Chicago
JD - Juris Doctor
2010
University of Illinois, Chicago
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2021
Ultimate Referral Network Meeting
What a real estate attorney does and why you need one.
2021
CLE (Attendee)
Who Needs Their Spouse’s Permission...IL Homestead Rights
2021
CLE (Attendee)
For Your InFORMation! 2021 ALTA Forms
2021
CLE (Attendee)
2021 ALTA / NSPS Standard Requirements
2021
CLE (Attendee)
Overview of New Legislation & Regulations in IL
2020
Residential Real Estate Contract Review
Attorney and Inspection Overview
2020
CLE (Attendee)
You Can’t Take It With You. Conveying Title After Death
2020
CLE (Attendee)
What’s Yours is Mine...and Yours
2020
CLE (Attendee)
“Trust” Me
2020
CLE (Attendee)
They Said I Could Sign
2020
CLE (Attendee)
The Changing Demographic Landscape
2020
CLE (Attendee)
First American Title
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Recognizing Impairment Issues -COVID 19 Pandemic
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Selling Decedent's Real Estate Through Title, Trusts and TODI
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Don't Forget Parcel 2!!! Securing the Proper Title Coverage on Parking, Limited Common Elements and Other Related Parcels
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Digital Marketingfor Real Estate Attorneys!
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Marketing Communication for Real Estate Attorneys
2020
CLE (Attendee)
LGBTQ Issues in the Workplace: Legal Obligations and Best Practices
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Facing (With a Mask) the COVID-19 Challenge
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Cyber Security: Rise of the Machines
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Clearing New Construction
2020
CLE (Attendee)
Claims - Tales of Woe
2020
CLE (Attendee)
An Overview of New Legislation & Regulations in IL
2020
CLE (Attendee)
All About Easements
2020
CLE (Attendee)
1031 Exchange Basics
2020
BNI
What Does an Attorney Do?
2019
Ultimate Referral Network Meeting
What a real estate attorney does and why you need one.
2019
CLE (Attendee)
Improving Your Life at the Office
2019
CLE (Attendee)
1031 Exchanges: On the Rise in 2019
2018
CLE (Attendee)
Preventing Wire Fraud in Real Estate
2018
CLE (Attendee)
Navigating an Illinois Real Estate Transaction 2018
2017
CLE (Attendee)
Every Person Has a Voice
2017
CLE (Attendee)
New Lawyers Basic Skills
2017
CLE (Attendee)
Residential Real Estate Closings: The Basics & Beyond
2017
CLE (Attendee)
The Role of Real Estate in Chicago's Segregated Landscape
Languages
English