Cristina Rodriguez Yale

Cristina Rodriguez is a renowned American lawyer and academic, currently serving as the Leighton Homer Surbeck Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Her work focuses on administrative law, constitutional law, and immigration law, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of law and public policy. Rodriguez's research and teaching have had a significant impact on the field, shaping the way scholars and practitioners think about the role of administrative agencies in shaping public policy.
Academic Background and Career

Rodriguez earned her Bachelor’s degree from Yale University and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School. After law school, she clerked for Judge Harry Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and later for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court. These experiences not only deepened her understanding of the legal system but also influenced her approach to legal scholarship. Rodriguez has been a member of the Yale Law School faculty since 2004, and her teaching and research have been recognized with several awards, including the Yale Law School’s Teacher of the Year Award.
Research and Scholarship
Rodriguez’s scholarly work has been published in top law reviews, including the Yale Law Journal, the Harvard Law Review, and the Stanford Law Review. Her research has explored topics such as the deference doctrine in administrative law, the constitutional rights of noncitizens, and the role of federalism in immigration policy. Rodriguez has also been an active participant in public debates about immigration reform, testifying before Congress and serving as a consultant to government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Publication | Year |
---|---|
Yale Law Journal | 2010 |
Harvard Law Review | 2015 |
Stanford Law Review | 2018 |

Teaching and Mentorship

Rodriguez is known for her dedication to teaching and mentorship, and has supervised numerous student research projects and clinical programs. Her courses on administrative law and immigration law are highly sought after by students, who appreciate her ability to balance theoretical rigor with practical insight. Rodriguez has also been a mentor to many students and young scholars, providing guidance and support as they navigate their own research and career paths.
Professional Service and Awards
Rodriguez has served on the board of several professional organizations, including the American Law Institute and the National Immigration Law Center. She has received numerous awards for her teaching, research, and service, including the Yale University Prize for Teaching Excellence and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Award for Excellence in Public Service.
- Member, American Law Institute
- Member, National Immigration Law Center
- Recipient, Yale University Prize for Teaching Excellence
- Recipient, NALEO Award for Excellence in Public Service
What is Cristina Rodriguez’s area of expertise?
+Cristina Rodriguez is an expert in administrative law, constitutional law, and immigration law, with a particular focus on the intersection of law and public policy.
Where does Cristina Rodriguez teach?
+Cristina Rodriguez is a professor at Yale Law School, where she teaches courses on administrative law and immigration law.