Daniel Rodriguez is a criminal defense attorney at The Santos Law Firm, PLLC. A Rio Grande Valley native, Daniel graduated summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2024, ranking among the top of his class and serving as an active member of the nationally recognized South Texas Mock Trial team.

Daniel earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2016 and 2019. During graduate school, he gained hands-on experience in criminal defense while working as a paralegal at the Law Office of Jose A. Ramirez.

At South Texas, Daniel distinguished himself with multiple CALI Excellence Awards for earning the highest grades in courses such as Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Texas Trial & Appellate Procedure. He further sharpened his courtroom skills through advanced coursework in Criminal Litigation Drafting and participation in the Criminal Defense Clinic with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. His legal experience also includes a judicial internship at the Texas First Court of Appeals under Justice Sarah Beth Landau, where he contributed legal research and writing in both criminal and civil matters.

Beyond his own practice, Daniel remains involved with South Texas as a volunteer instructor for Trial Advocacy and Evidentiary Foundations, as well as a guest judge for mock trial competitions. He is committed to mentoring future advocates and strengthening the next generation of trial lawyers.

Now as an attorney, Daniel approaches every case as an opportunity to stand up for his clients and protect their rights. With diligence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice, he works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes for those he represents.