Kelly Greco
Polsinelli
Real estate law

Exceptional. It's the word that often pops up when fellow attorneys are describing real estate law specialist Kelly Greco. 

And why not? Greco is known for working tirelessly for her clients, always searching for the best possible solution to their real estate-related challenges. Greco's peers praise her, too, for her deep understanding of her niche, her ability to develop creative solutions for her clients and her unwavering ethics. 

Anthony Casaccio, associate general counsel with Cresco Labs, has firsthand knowledge of Greco's skills. During the last eight years, he's worked on several real estate transactions with Greco. Today, Greco is Casaccio's preferred outside counsel. He says that there's no other real estate attorney that he'd prefer working with. 

"She's the most responsive and attentive attorney I have worked with," Casaccio said. "She's practical, knowledgeable and incredibly attentive to our company's objectives. She shows exemplary skills on a daily basis."

Greco has built a reputation as an attorney who can handle the most complex of matters while communicating the challenges of a case to her clients in a way each of these clients can clearly understand. She's known, too, for her willingness to take on new challenges. Greco's peers say that this attorney never shies away from even the most challenging of cases.

"When I think about what kind of lawyer I want to be, Kelly is the standard," said Holly Galvin, partner with Martensen, Niemann & Sorensen. "She's organized, thoughtful, intelligent and kind. She somehow handles everything that comes her way efficiently and effectively and you never see her sweat."

Throughout her career, Greco has built a steady stream of repeat clients. That's largely because of the results she delivers: Greco has a knack for identifying and obtaining the best solutions for her clients. 

But Greco is also skilled at building an exceptional rapport with her clients, say her fellow attorneys. This, they say, is unusual for an attorney at such an early stage of her career. 

Hugh Drake, partner with Brown, Hay & Stephens LLP, said that this combination of skills sets Greco apart from other real estate attorneys.

"Among all the associates with whom I've worked during over 22 years in practice, Ms. Greco was the most insightful and intellectually curious," Drake said. "I had no concerns of her being in direct contact with our clients, even as a first-year associate. I think this speaks to her empathy. She was able to put herself into the client's shoes and approach the work with that sense of care."

Greco also gives time to her profession. She has written several articles for the Illinois Bar Journal and the ISBA Real Property newsletter. She has also been active in CREW -- Commercial Real Estate Women -- and the American Bar Association.