Ray Villarreal
Ankeny,Iowa
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with extensive experience at Iowa Legal Aid, excelling in document preparation and client communication. Proven track record in enhancing access to justice through meticulous program management and empathetic outreach. Recognized for strong attention to detail and exceptional interpersonal skills, driving successful outcomes for underserved populations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal, JAG Corps
Iowa Army National Guard
Davenport, IA
07.2022 - Current
- Served as Battalion Paralegal during May - December 2025 IA ARNG deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East
- Drafted legal documents for military personnel, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Organized files and maintained legal databases to enhance access efficiency.
- Coordinated communications between clients and legal teams to improve collaboration.
- Maintained client files in accordance with established protocols.
Grants Administrator/Outreach Coordinator
Iowa Legal Aid
Des Moines, Iowa
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Ensured legal support accessibility for underserved populations throughout Iowa.
- Managed Justice Bus, a mobile legal clinic, to enhance statewide access to justice.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills while coordinating legal services and outreach efforts.
- Maintained meticulous attention to detail in service delivery and program management.
Paralegal
Iowa Legal Aid
Des Moines, Iowa
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Organized case files and maintained accurate records for easy access.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide updates on cases.
- Managed deadlines and prioritized tasks to ensure timely completion of assignments.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
Human Intelligence Collector
Iowa Army National Guard
Johnston, IA
05.2019 - 07.2022
- Trained to screen human intelligence sources and documents
- Trained to interrogate human intelligence sources
- Participated in various human intelligence operations
- Prepared and analyzed various extensive operational reports
Assets Protection Team Leader
Target Corporation
Lincoln, NE
05.2019 - 07.2020
- Partnered with Lincoln Police Department effectively apprehending theft subjects in accordance with Target policy
- Effectively coordinated crowd management plan for Black Friday 2019 leading to successful event
- Lead team of 2 hourly team members; experienced in interviewing, developing, evaluating and retaining talent
- Coordinated with immediate superior and Lincoln Police Department during civil unrest movement
Legal Assistant/Spanish Interpreter
Hamilton Law Firm P.C.
Storm Lake/Des Moines, IA
01.2016 - 05.2017
- Provided consecutive interpretations during conference calls, and attorney-client appointments to 40+ Spanish-only clients throughout employment
- Drafted various court documents, invoices and enclosures at three attorneys' request
- Directed incoming calls from English/Spanish speakers to appropriate staff members
- Interviewed clients obtaining case information, discovery, and social security administration filings
- Displayed superior confidentiality in mail, telephone and in person communications
- Worked efficiently with 1 Paralegal at their discretion and guidance
Infantry Section Sergeant
Iowa Army National Guard
Denison, IA
10.2013 - 02.2017
- Trained and lead infantry, heavy anti-armor weapons squad of 4 soldiers by providing tactical and technical guidance to subordinates and professional support to both subordinates and superiors
- Led fire team during infantry dismounted battle drills and situational training exercises
- Executed reasoned and efficient decision-making to foster troop discipline and unity
ELL Instructional Assistant
Storm Lake Community School District
Storm Lake, IA
11.2010 - 02.2016
- Assessed ELL students social, emotional and academic needs to plan goals appropriately to 10 to 30 students
- Monitored students in class, hallways and study halls to supervise, enforce rules and support lead 1 English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher
- Collated classroom materials to help several teachers prepare for daily instruction and activities.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Operations Studies
Cochise College
Douglas, AZ05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Distributive Studies - Modern Languages
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA10.2015
Skills
- Legal terminology expertise
- Attention to detail
- Professional writing
- Document preparation
- Empathy and compassion
- Customer service excellence
- Self-motivation
- Interpersonal communication
- Telephone etiquette
Languages
Spanish - Native/Bilingual
English - Native/Bilingual
Persian Farsi - Elementary/Intermediate
Hobbies and Interests
Immigration Law
International Law
Labor (Employment) Law
Real Estate Law
Corporate Law
Interests & Hobbies
Volunteering
Learning Languages
Community Service
Biking
Swimming
Technical Skills
Adobe Acrobat
,Sharepoint
,Microsoft Office Suite
,Client Relations
,Calendar Management
Timeline
Grants Administrator/Outreach Coordinator
Iowa Legal Aid
01.2024 - 05.2025
Paralegal, JAG Corps
Iowa Army National Guard
07.2022 - Current
Paralegal
Iowa Legal Aid
08.2021 - 01.2024
Human Intelligence Collector
Iowa Army National Guard
05.2019 - 07.2022
Assets Protection Team Leader
Target Corporation
05.2019 - 07.2020
Legal Assistant/Spanish Interpreter
Hamilton Law Firm P.C.
01.2016 - 05.2017
Infantry Section Sergeant
Iowa Army National Guard
10.2013 - 02.2017
ELL Instructional Assistant
Storm Lake Community School District
11.2010 - 02.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Operations Studies
Cochise College
Bachelor of Arts - Distributive Studies - Modern Languages
Buena Vista University