Richard Victor Gales
Rockland,MA
Summary
Bilingual paralegal and legal translator with experience supporting immigration and criminal matters. Skilled in case preparation, evidence packet assembly, legal form completion, document organization, and client communication. Experienced in translating legal documents between English and Brazilian Portuguese with accuracy and consistency. Familiar with preparing filings before USCIS and EOIR and supporting attorneys throughout all stages of case development. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective in legal and client-facing environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal & Legal Translator
Gardini Law
Natick, Massachusetts
04.2023 - Current
- Support attorneys in immigration and criminal matters, including affirmative and defensive asylum, 42B cancellation of removal, and credible fear cases.
- Prepare, organize, and assemble evidence packets and case files for USCIS and EOIR submissions.
- Complete and assist with immigration forms and filings, including G-28, EOIR-28, EOIR-33, I-765, and related applications.
- Translate affidavits, legal documents, and supporting evidence between English and Brazilian Portuguese.
- Conduct case organization, document review, and quality control to ensure accuracy and consistency prior to filing.
- Communicate with clients regarding case status, document requests, deadlines, and hearing preparation.
- Coordinate and schedule attorney-client hearing preparation sessions and manage attorneys’ calendars and case-related appointments.
- Accompany clients to ICE check-ins to provide support and interpretation.
- Visit criminal clients at detention facilities to assist attorneys and provide translation during meetings.
- Collaborate with attorneys and legal staff to support case strategy and workflow efficiency.
Retail Customer Service Associate
Home Depot
Rockland, MA
09.2020 - 03.2023
- Provided customer service support, including order fulfillment, returns, and product assistance.
- Assisted Portuguese-speaking customers to ensure clear communication.
- Responded to customer inquiries in person and by phone.
- Worked across multiple departments to support store operations.
Gym Staff Member
YMCA
Hanover, MA
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Assisted members with facility operations and equipment use.
- Maintained organization and safety of fitness areas.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminal Justice
University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston)
Associate Degree - Criminal Justice
Massasoit Community College
Skills
- Immigration case preparation and evidence assembly
- USCIS and EOIR filings and form preparation
- Legal document translation (English ↔ Brazilian Portuguese)
- Case organization and file management
- Client communication and legal support
- Legal document drafting and review
- Multilingual communication and cultural competence
- Research and case documentation
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Portuguese, Fluent
- Spanish, Beginner/Intermediate
Timeline
Paralegal & Legal Translator
Gardini Law
04.2023 - Current
Retail Customer Service Associate
Home Depot
09.2020 - 03.2023
Gym Staff Member
YMCA
03.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminal Justice
University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston)
Associate Degree - Criminal Justice
Massasoit Community College