LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez
Join us for an engaging conversation with U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas and former Texas Supreme Court Justice, Xavier Rodriguez. Drawing on his experience in criminal justice and in handling complex federal litigation, Judge Rodriguez will discuss the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in maintaining the civic fabric of our democracy.
The event will delve into Judge Rodriguez's extensive career, including his tenure on the Texas Supreme Court and his current role in the federal judiciary. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and responsibilities of the judiciary in contemporary society, as well as the importance of judicial independence and integrity.
This session is part of the "LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith" series, organized by the Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement. It offers a unique opportunity for students, legal professionals, and community members to engage directly with prominent figures in law and public service.
The event is scheduled for April 6, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the LBJ Bass Lecture Hall. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure their spot.
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Speakers(2)
Evan Smith
Professor of Practice at Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
Evan Smith is a Professor of Practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. He is known for his engaging conversations with civic leaders, providing students and the public with insights into politics and public affairs.
Xavier Rodriguez
U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Xavier Rodriguez received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a master's degree from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas Law School, and a Master of Laws in Judicial Studies from Duke University. Prior to assuming the bench, he was a partner in the international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski (now known as Norton Rose Fulbright). He served in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps and has served on the board of directors of several charitable organizations across Texas. Judge Rodriguez is a frequent speaker on continuing legal education seminars and has authored numerous articles regarding employment law, discovery, and arbitration issues. He is the editor of Essentials of E-Discovery (TexasBarBooks 2d ed. 2021). He is a member of The Sedona Conference Judicial Advisory Board, the Georgetown Advanced E-Discovery Institute Advisory Board, the EDRM Global Advisory Council, and serves as the Distinguished Visiting Jurist-in-Residence and adjunct professor of law at the St. Mary’s University School of Law. He was elected to membership in the American Law Institute and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation.
Event Details
- Date
- April 6, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Austin, United States
- LBJ Bass Lecture Hall
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Students, legal professionals, and community members interested in law and public service.