Freelance Writer & Researcher November 2025 — Present

CHRIS
RICHARD

Location

St. Petersburg, FL

Current Post

Freelance Writer

The Gulfport Gabber

Background

Political Science · Legal Research · Policy Analysis

Opening Statement

Researcher, writer, and legal communications professional with a record spanning local journalism, congressional policy work, academic research, and high-volume legal practice. Trained to find the story in data, translate complexity into clear prose, and meet deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.

"Research, write, and edit — under pressure, on record, with accountability."

Five years of parallel experience across newsroom, courtroom, and congressional office environments have produced a practitioner who understands institutional credibility, and how to build it through careful, documented work.

Profile ◆ Correspondent's Dossier

A Record Built on Accuracy,
Structure, and Source Work

Chris Richard's professional formation spans three distinct but overlapping disciplines: journalism, law, and political science. Each has demanded the same foundational skill, the ability to gather information from primary sources, evaluate its credibility, and communicate findings in a form that holds up to scrutiny.

At The Gulfport Gabber, that means covering local government and community life with the rigor of a beat reporter. At Levy & Levy, LLC, it has meant drafting legal documents precise enough for court submission. At the University of South Florida, it meant contributing to academic research under faculty supervision.

The thread connecting all three: an orientation toward evidence, institutional process, and clear written output.

Core Competencies

Investigative & Beat Reporting

Legal Document Drafting

Policy & Legal Research

Interview & Source Management

High-Volume Communications

Court Filing Preparation

Community Outreach Writing

Data Analysis & Synthesis

Professional Record ◆ Chronological

Current Position

Freelance Writer / Contributor

The Gulfport Gabber

Dec 2025 — Present

Research, write, and edit articles covering local government, community events, and human-interest stories. Conduct interviews and produce clear, accurate content under tight deadlines. Responsibilities span the full editorial cycle from source identification to final copy.

Beat Reporting Local Government Interviews Editing

Legal Practice

Legal Assistant

Levy & Levy, LLC

2020 — Present

Draft and proofread legal documents, conduct legal research, and manage high-volume communications. Prepare court filings and train new hires. This role demands the same discipline as journalism, accuracy is non-negotiable, and every document is a matter of record.

Legal Research Document Drafting Court Filings Training

Congressional Office

Intern

Office of U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist

2019

Drafted communications and supported community outreach efforts. Researched policy issues for legislative staff. Direct exposure to the intersection of policy, public communication, and civic accountability.

Policy Research Constituent Communications Community Outreach

Academic Research

Research Assistant

University of South Florida

2019

Conducted policy and legal research, analyzed data, and collaborated on academic projects under faculty supervision. Developed systematic research habits and the ability to synthesize primary and secondary sources into structured written outputs.

Academic Research Data Analysis Policy Study

Field Notes

Covering community stories across the St. Petersburg area. Local government, civic life, and the people behind the headlines.

Institutional Environments

📰 Newsroom

⚖️ Law Firm

🏛️ Congressional Office

🎓 University Research Lab

Skills & Capacities ◆ Self-Assessment

Research & Writing

Investigative Reporting Advanced

Legal Research & Writing Advanced

Policy Analysis Proficient

Interview Technique Proficient

Operations & Communication

Document Management Advanced

Institutional Communications Advanced

Data Analysis & Synthesis Proficient

Training & Onboarding Competent

Education ◆ Academic Formation

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Political Science

University of South Florida

Class of 2019

A rigorous grounding in political institutions, policy processes, and research methodology. Coursework emphasized primary source analysis, academic writing, and the study of governmental structures at federal, state, and local levels, directly applicable to journalism covering public affairs.

Relevant Coursework Areas

American Government & Institutions

Public Policy Analysis

Political Research Methods

Constitutional Law

Civic Communications

Contact ◆ Correspondence

Available for
Assignments & Opportunities

Open to editorial positions, research collaborations, freelance writing engagements, and opportunities at the intersection of journalism, policy, and legal communications. Responses typically within one business day.

Location St. Petersburg, FL

Current Role Freelance Writer, The Gulfport Gabber

Availability Open to Opportunities

Send a Message

CHRISRICHARD

A Record Built on Accuracy,Structure, and Source Work