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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
293 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 46 - 50 of 86 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by Tammy | December 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Highly responsive and incredibly patient
Buying a property from out of state is a daunting process if you don't have a great deal of experience in real estate. The laws in Illinois and the overall process were very different than what we were used to in the state we'd previously lived in. Mark was patient with our many questions and extre...
Posted by Ron | November 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Ron and Teresa Lane home sale
It was a true pleasure to work with Mark. He is very thorough, timely and well organized. That made this process go very smoothly. Will and have recommended Mark to there for future representations. Thanks again Mark !!!
Posted by John | October 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Praises & Kudos
Mark took the reins, wore multiple hats, and put out an exceptional number of fires in what was the longest, most belabored closing ever. Thank you, Mark! It would have been rough without you!
Posted by Kevin | October 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Residential
Home Closing
My home closing was very smooth. Mark was great, extremely knowledgeable and responsive throughout the entire process. Would recommend highly to anyone.
Posted by Jeffrey | August 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Director of Government and Community Relations
I was very nervous about selling my property. It was the first condo I had purchased when I moved to Chicago years ago. Making the decision to sell was hard enough; however, going through the paperwork was a nightmare. Mark completely put me at ease and made everything seem so easy. I really apprecia...
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