We think that our people set us apart. Our culture is warm, familial, and conducive to brainstorming and idea sharing. While we're small enough to have a highly developed concept of teamwork, we're large enough to have won the confidence of major companies.

•   J. Renn Olenn
•   Joseph F. Penza, Jr.
•   Michael J. Colucci
•   Holly Remington Rao
•   Michael T. Prew
•   Martin K. DeMagistris
•   Krista J. Schmitz
•   Jeffrey W. Kasle
•   Connor D. Holliday, Esq.

Whatever your needs, you'll find us fully focused on finding the very best solution to your problem. Olenn & Penza, LLP has received the highest rating by the independent legal rating agency, Martindale-Hubbell. We strive to make every single one of our clients, large or small, feel that they are our only client.

•   Admiralty & Marine
•   Business Transactions & Litigation
•   Construction
•   Insurance
•   Litigation, Arbitration & Mediation
•   Personal Injury
•   Police, Fire & other Labor
•   Probate & Estates
•   Professional Liability
•   Real Estate
Olenn & Penza Founding Partner J. Renn Olenn
J. Renn Olenn
Founding Partner (Retired)

Tel:  401-737-3700   •   Fax:  401-737-5499   •   Email

Education

  • Heidelberg College, A.B.
  • Boston University School of Law, J.D.
  • Admitted to practice
    and experience before

  • All Rhode Island trial courts
  • Rhode Island Supreme Court
  • United States District Court for the
         District of Rhode Island
  • All Massachusetts State Courts
  • United States District Court for the
         District of Massachusetts
  • United States First Circuit Court
         of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court
  • Professional Affiliations

  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
         Insurance Committee
  • Maritime Law Association
  • Professional Biography

    During his forty years as a litigator, Renn has represented hundreds of individuals, businesses, and insurers, in a wide range of high risk, high value litigation matters. Renn has tried cases in all Rhode Island State and federal courts in the areas of wrongful death, products liability, admiralty and maritime law, business litigation, personal injury, legal and professional malpractice, and insurer bad faith. In addition to traditional litigation, Renn also regularly represented health care professionals and attorneys in matters involving licensing, disciplinary, and ethical complaints.

    In addition to his extensive trial experience, Renn has handled and resolved hundreds of cases through all types of litigation and alternative dispute resolution procedures, including binding and non-binding arbitration, and mediation.

    Although Renn recently retired from the active practice of law, he remains an invaluable resource at Olenn & Penza for his breadth of experience and trusted advice.

    View Expanded Bio

    Notable Experience and Recognition

    Renn has consistently been recognized by his peers as a Rhode Island Super Lawyer in the area of insurance defense litigation from 2008 through his retirement in 2015. He was named Lawyer of the Year by the Kent County Bar Association in 2009.

    Prior to his retirement, Renn regularly served on various judicial and professional panels and committees, including several years as the Chairman of the Rhode Island Bar Association's Insurance Committee.

    Renn distinguished himself as a skilled trial attorney early in his career, winning a trial verdict of $1.2 million for the estate and family of an individual who was paralyzed when he dove from the diving board of the family swimming pool. This was one of the first product liability actions of its kind against a swimming pool manufacturer and stood for several years as the largest personal injury jury award in Rhode Island.

    OLENN & PENZA, LLP   Attorneys at Law Practicing in RI and MA
    530 Greenwich Avenue     •     Warwick, RI 02886     •     Phone 401-737-3700     •     Fax 401-737-5499     •     Disclaimer     •     Send us an email
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