Xavier Rodriguez

Excellent judge. He surely does his own research -not always the way I would like his research to go. But, cannot disagree with the quality of his scholarship. Very good temperament.

I found the Honorable Rodriguez to be the worst judge I have ever faced in court. I agree there is nothing per se improper with a judge doing his own research. But no judge should do his own research to find an opinion from a different District Court in a different Court of Appeals that directly contradicts binding precedent in the Court of Appeals where the judge sits. That is not scholarship. It is an abuse of power wielded to find a result that achieves the outcome the judge desires, notwithstanding what the law says. We just cannot have judges doing that.

It is rare to find a federal judge who is so committed to getting the right answer. Judge Rodriguez is a scholar who considers the issues from all sides and carefully reviews precedent. He will never limit himself to the arguments of counsel unless he is legally required. This way, all parties get a fair shake in front of Judge Rodriguez whether they''ve hired an A+ litigator. Also, Judge Rodriguez is fair and patient with young attorneys. He wants to help you learn and will be polite and courteous while you are in front of him.

I find that Judge Rodriguez is a true scholar who works very hard to get it right, rather than to follow any bias. It is laughable that an attorney would criticize him for doing his own research. That is just another example of how Judge Rodriguez works overtime and more so than others to get it right.

I found Judge Rodriguez to be extremely biased to the point of ignoring binding precedent from both the 5th Circuit and the US Supreme Court, in order to achieve the outcome he clearly desired from day one of the case. At times I felt like I was litigating against both the defendant and J. Rodriguez. (And everyone knows, if you litigate against the judge, you lose.) More than once he engaged in in his own research, independent of any arguments raised by any party. Each time he reached a conclusion that was favorable for the corporate defendant. In two opinions he failed to mention binding precedent. In one opinion he failed to mention US Supreme Court precedent even though I cited to it, analyzed it, and concluded that it was dispositive. My client unltimately reached a settlement with the defendant. I gather he is very fair in criminal cases, but in my civil case invovling a federal question, he clearly was not.

Have tried and handled many criminal cases with him. Leans to the right on pretrial issues, but is fair overall, well read, smart, and diligent. Deep sense of fairness at sentencing, and very pleasant demeanor. He has developed well on the bench. Always look forward to have a case in his court.

Fantastic judge. He is the best possible draw in San Antonio.

A legal scholar. Really works hard and gets it right. Fair minded and even handed.

Very good judge.