Renai Rodney is counsel in Ropes & Gray’s litigation & enforcement practice group, with experience in government enforcement and white collar defense, internal investigations involving sexual misconduct and workplace harassment, and commercial litigation. Renai is also active in the firm’s DEI counseling and investigations practice, assisting organizations in building more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and assessing the impact of their DEI efforts. Renai has a robust pro bono practice focused on criminal justice reform and upholding the rule of law in Kenya. Clients benefit from Renai’s perspective as a former federal prosecutor, as well as her extensive investigative and trial skills.

During her nearly 12 years as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, Renai investigated and prosecuted cases involving a wide range of criminal conduct, including health care fraud, financial crimes and human trafficking. She prevailed in 11 jury trials and three bench trials, and successfully argued and defended nine cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Renai’s government experience also includes serving as First Assistant Corporation Counsel in the City of Chicago’s law department. In this role, she advised on strategic approaches to high-profile litigation and complex transactional matters, as well as on their resolution. She also advised on the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures, and coordinated legal strategy with numerous city, county and federal agencies and legal organizations.

Since 2012, Renai has served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, teaching Introduction to Trial Advocacy, International Criminal Law in U.S. Courts, and the Civil Government Practicum. Her teaching experience also includes traveling to Tanzania to conduct an intensive training on trial advocacy techniques and anti-corruption practices for local magistrate judges and lawyers.

Areas of Practice