Mario A. Godoy | Attorney | Estate and Probate Legal Group

About Mario

Mario Godoy went to Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. He then went on to graduate from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL. He later received his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. Mario immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a child. He lives in Elmhurst IL with his family.

As an attorney Mario has distinguished himself as a litigator. He received a certification in trial advocacy from the John Marshall Law School. * Mario has litigated Civil, Criminal, and Immigration cases. He has been recognized as a top litigator by the American Society of Legal Advocates. * He serves as the chair for the Legal Services for detainees committee for the Chicago chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

*Not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

Contact Mario

Why I founded the Estate and Probate Legal Group

I founded the Estate and Probate Legal Group after witnessing how failing to plan for your estate can strain family ties. I immigrated to the United States as a child. Most of my immigrant family never made any plans for their estate. I grew up with my grandmother, who loved and cared for me, and I have warm memories of spending time with her. When my grandmother passed away, there was ample turmoil and resentment during the disbursement of her assets. I gained painful insight into how failing to plan will ruin family relationships. I also learned at that time that my great-grandfather had also failed to plan for his family. And when my great-grandfather passed away, it was my beloved grandmother who lost her home and was thrust into poverty as a child in Guatemala. Failing to plan affects those who remain after your death!

As an attorney, I saw many of my immigration clients fail to plan for themselves and their families. I founded this firm because I wanted to create a law firm that helps its clients to preserve his or her legacy. I want to help guide and protect our clients so that they have peace of mind in their last moments.

Mario A. Godoy Experience

Since his time at the DuPage County State’s Attorney, Mr. Godoy has used his experience to successfully represent his clients.

He uses his prosecutorial experience and contacts to leverage successful negotiations on behalf of his clients. And when negotiation is not an option, Mr. Godoy uses his trial experience and education to aggressively defend his clients through a trial. He has won both bench trials and jury trials in felony and misdemeanor cases.

Mr. Godoy practices immigration law. He has become an expert at guiding documented and undocumented clients with immigration issues through a criminal case. In evaluating these cases, he focuses on both the immigration and criminal consequences. Mr. Godoy also defends immigrants in federal removal proceedings. Additionally, he uses his knowledge to help immigrants with family-based petitions. He is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyer Association.

In his spare time, Mr. Godoy coaches a mock trial at Lake Forest College. Mr. Godoy is a volunteer attorney for First Defense Legal Aid – where he represents indigent clients during interrogations at Chicago Police Stations. He is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the DuPage County Bar Association.