Renai Rodney is a former federal prosecutor and senior legal advisor who brings over two decades of experience working across the non-profit, government, and private sectors to solve the most complex and consequential issues affecting communities, municipalities, and private corporations. Clients involved in government enforcement actions benefit from Renai’s extensive investigative and trial skills. Renai leads internal investigations into allegations of discrimination, corruption, and bribery and represent clients in civil and criminal matters pending before federal and state courts. Renai also counsels organizations on building diverse and inclusive workplaces and reviewing their workplace programs for litigation risks. Renai has a robust pro bono practice focused on criminal justice reform and upholding the rule of law in Kenya.
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. Renai also serves as a Steering Committee member of R&G Insights Lab, a differentiated solution for corporate governance and risk in complex business environments.