About Justice Rodriguez

Justice Rodriguez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, one of five children of Abraham and Minerva Rodriguez. After graduating from J.W. Nixon High School in 1988, she attended Laredo Junior College, earning her associate degree while working part-time. She then attended the University of North Texas as a Meadows Excellence in Teaching Scholar, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Communication & Public Address.

Following graduation, she participated in the prestigious Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Fellowship in Washington, D.C., working as a legislative analyst with MALDEF and volunteering in the D.C. area. She returned to Texas to attend St. Mary’s School of Law, graduating and becoming licensed to practice law in 1997. Rodriguez then worked as a Bexar County Assistant District Attorney, handling cases from DWI offenses to felony murders and crimes against children.

She later became the chief administrator for Bexar County courts, managing an $8 million budget and addressing jail overcrowding. Rodriguez resigned to run for office, was elected to the bench in November 2010, and began her tenure in January 2011. She focused on alternatives to incarceration, establishing the first designated DWI Court in Bexar County.

After leaving the bench in 2014, she returned to private practice, focusing on criminal defense and family law. In November 2018, she was elected to the Fourth Court of Appeals, authoring nearly 300 opinions and serving on various judicial committees.

Justice Rodriguez is a member of several legal associations and continues her education to stay current on judicial issues. She enjoys podcasts, baking, hiking, and has completed marathons. She is the mother of two college students and remains dedicated to public service.