Mario A. Godoy
US Immigration Lawyer Serving All 50 States and Illinois Crimmigration Attorney
I’m Mario Godoy – an immigrant, a U.S. Citizen and an immigration lawyer. I founded Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers to Help Immigrants Make America Their Home.
Experience and Background
I specialize in family-based immigration, business immigration, removal defense and the criminal representation of immigrants. My journey reflects the immigrant experience, and I bring that unique perspective to my practice.
I was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States when I was just six months old. Raised by my grandmother while my parents worked and studied, I grew up speaking Spanish until I entered school at age six. Watching my father earn his Master’s degree and seeing my mother open her own hair salon instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and community.
My passion for immigration law stems from witnessing the unjust deportation of a family member due to poor legal advice. This motivated me to pursue a legal career where I could be part of the solution. Today, I manage two successful law firms while practicing immigration, criminal, and estate law. My mission is to empower other immigrants to achieve their American dreams.
As a husband, father and immigrant myself, I understand the vital importance of keeping families together and building a future in the United States.
Crimmigration Law
I also specialize as an Illinois crimmigration lawyer, navigating the complex intersection of criminal and immigration law. I represent clients facing criminal charges that could jeopardize their immigration status, whether they are documented or undocumented.
A criminal charge or conviction can have serious implications for one’s immigration case, often threatening an individual’s ability to remain in the U.S. That’s why it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who understands both immigration and criminal defense when facing these challenges.
Many legal permanent residents and undocumented immigrants don't know their rights.
- Immigration Law
- Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Illinois
- Supreme Court of Illinois
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Spanish: Spoken, Written
- Adjunct Faculty - Health Professions and Public Srvce
- Wabonsee Community College
- - Current
- Teach immigration studies to paralegal students.
- Founding Attorney
- Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers
- - Current
- Owner and founder of Godoy Law Office with 6 locations in the greater Chicago area and serving clients in all 50 states and abroad.
- Law Clerk under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711
- DuPage County
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- -Prepared, negotiated and prosecuted ordinance violations as 2nd chair in Civil Division. Drafted complaints for new case files. Acted as second chair in bench trials in Misdemeanor Division.
- Legislative Consultant
- American Osteopathic Association
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- Drafted correspondence to Governors, Senators, and Representatives to advocate the AOA’s position. Drafted model policies and research papers used in formulating new AOA policy. Analyzed proposed statutes and regulations to determine legal impact and to identify emerging trends.
- Legal Clerk
- Chittenden, Murday & Novotny LLC
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- Drafted memoranda regarding issues in ERISA, health, life and disability insurance.
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
- J.D. (2010) | Trial Advocate Certificate and Deportation Defense and Criminal Defense
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- Elmhurst College
- B.S. (2004) | Information Systems
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- Law Firm 500 Honoree
- Law Firm 500
- Happy clients are ultimately what makes a law firm grow fast. For the eighth year in a row, law firms are being honored for the velocity of their growth, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to succeed. The law firms on this list have been evaluated and ranked in order, based on gross revenues of the previous three years.
- Inc 5000
- 2023 Inc 5000
- Named to the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America $358 billion in 2022 revenue. 1,187,266 jobs created. And 5,000 examples of how to scale your business. Nowhere else will you find a list of companies with a greater impact on the U.S. economy.
- Dupage County Bar Association
- Immigration Section Chair
- - Current
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- Windy City Mastermind
- Founder
- - Current
- Activities: I started Windy City Mastermind for a small, like-minded group of law firm owners who are committed to growing their firms. We've grown to a 2-day event with exceptional moderators to provide personalized hot seats, deep dives, brainstorming, networking, ideas - and solutions. We offer hands-on learning, discussion and ideas twice yearly to help law firm owners grow their businesses and become more profitable. For more information or to join us next time: https://windycitymastermind.com
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- Tiger Tactics CEO Edition: From ZERO to Law Firm CEO
- Different Middle Initial, LLC
- Bond Hearings: Practical Advice and Pointers, AILA Legal Services for Detainees Committee
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- How to Represent a Detained Immigration Client in a Bond Hearing, AILA Legal Services for Detainees Committee
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
American Dream
7 Potential Pitfalls To Your Naturalization Application
Godoy Law: The Green Card Process
