FIVE ALL-STARS Evan Kohlmann L'04 Eric Rothschild L'93 Miguel Rodriguez C'94 L'99 Derek Pew L'93 Aretha Delight Davis L'97

Not wanting to uproot and join Corzine in Trenton, Rodriguez got a break when Corzine’s chief of staff, who had worked for Hillary Clinton in the White House, recommended him for Sen. Clinton’s counsel job, which had recently opened. He was hired in May 2005.

Rodriguez remembers his first briefing with Sen. Clinton, a couple days into the job. They discussed a contentious subject: the REAL ID Act, which would require all states to verify immigration documents and birth certificates before issuing federally recognized drivers’ licenses to its residents. As if it wasn’t enough to endure the Socratic method in law school, now Miguel Rodriguez had to stare across the table at Hillary Clinton. Perhaps sensing his angst, she chirped, “Hi, Miguel, it’s so great to have you aboard.” Tension relieved.

“She is really gracious,” says Rodriguez. “I think people would be surprised at how down to earth she is, particularly for someone who has been in the limelight for so long.”