History of the firm

Our firm was founded in 1913 by Otto Venino, Jr. Otto graduated from law school and first obtained a Masters Degree in law from New York University before he established his practice on 38th Street in Union City (where it remained until it moved its offices to North Bergen in 1989). Otto focused his practice primarily on real estate law, estates and trusts, and advising small businesses. He practiced law actively for 65 years until his retirement in 1978.

Thomas M. Venino joined his father, Otto, in 1954, after serving as a lieutenant in the Army in Korea during the conflict and then graduating from Fordham University Law School. When Tom Sr. joined the practice, he expanded the practice into other areas, such as litigation. Tom was active in many community affairs. He served as a board member and thereafter as chairman of the board of governors of what is now known as Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center. Tom was instrumental in moving the hospital to its current location on River Road in North Bergen. He was also the municipal court judge in the Township of Weehawken for a number of years. Tom continued to practice actively until his retirement in 2010.

In 1977, Thomas M. Venino, Jr. joined his father and grandfather in the practice, where he remains to this day.(See bio)

Richard P. Venino joined the firm in 1982. Rick graduated from Fordham University Law School in 1979 and spent three years as an associate with the law firm of Waters McPherson McNeill before joining the family practice. Rick served as the attorney for the Weehawken Rent Leveling Board for many years and, since 1986, he has been the Township Attorney for the Township of Weehawken. Rick retired from the private practice of law in 2020 and withdrew from the firm. He remains the Township Attorney for Weehawken.

Paul E. Venino joined his father and brothers in the practice in 1987, where he continues to practice today. (See bio)