Former Federal Prosecutor & Appellate Attorney
PATRICIA A. RIGNEY
Attorney
Patricia A. Rigney, was born and raised in Pharr, Texas. She attended the University of Texas Pan American where she graduated Cum Laude and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication. Patricia then attended the University of Texas School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctorate Degree in December of 2004. Patricia received her license to practice law in Texas on May 5, 2005.
Patricia A. Rigney is a former Federal Prosecutor/ Assistant United States Attorney ("AUSA") for the United States Attorneys Office-Southern District of Texas. In her 5 1/2 year career as an AUSA, Patricia prosecuted hundreds of cases involving Money Laundering, Credit Card Fraud, Passport Fraud, Alien Smuggling, Drug Trafficking, Firearms Trafficking, and Immigration violations. Patricia also presented cases before the Grand Jury and tried numerous cases to jury verdict. In addition, Patricia also prepared numerous appellate briefs and motions for collateral relief and argued successfully before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Patricia A. Rigney is also a former Staff Attorney and Briefing Attorney for the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Edinburg, Texas, where she worked under the guidance and supervision of Justice Dori Contreras Garza. As an appellate attorney, Patricia A. Rigney researched and drafted over 200 appellate opinions for both civil and criminal appellate matters. Patricia also handled numerous original proceedings and participated in panel reviews of hundreds of appellate opinions.
Patricia A. Rigney also served the City of Pharr, Texas as its City Attorney and Prosecutor. from 2015 to 2023.
While in law school, Patricia interned for the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Edinburg and worked under the guidance and supervision of Justice Fred Hinojosa, where she assisted in researching and drafting numerous appellate opinions. Patricia also worked as a law clerk at the Law Firm of Grove, Ehlinger & Deaderick in Austin, where she actively assisted the attorneys in their busy litigation practice. Patricia also participated in The University of Texas at Austin Children's Rights Clinic, where she worked as an Attorney ad Litem. As an ad litem, Patricia represented children in lawsuits involving removal or termination of parental rights. Patricia also obtained her Mediation Certificate while in law school. Prior to practicing law, Patricia was an English and Language Arts Teacher for a local public school.
Being a Valley native, Patricia is fluent in Spanish and she prides herself in practicing law in the community where she was raised. Patricia strives to treat each case and client with care and consideration. No issue is too big or too small. If you have a legal problem, her expertise can help you find a solution.