.jpg)
MEET OUR TEAM
Timothy J. van der Veen
Founder/Owner
Tim earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, launching his career as an engineer with a major gas utility company. After several years in the field, he decided to make a bold career pivot and followed his interest in the law by enrolling at Suffolk University Law School.
He graduated magna cum laude from Suffolk in 1996, finishing near the top of his class. While in law school, Tim was a proud member of the prestigious Suffolk Law Review and published two well-received articles focused on union labor issues.
Tim began his legal career as a litigator, working at two respected Boston firms where he focused on complex commercial disputes and insurance defense. But in 2003, he shifted his focus once again—this time to real estate—by opening his own practice dedicated exclusively to real estate law.
Since then, Tim has handled thousands of real estate transactions across Massachusetts, ranging from cozy one-bedroom condos to large-scale commercial deals valued in the tens of millions. His deep knowledge of real estate law, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has made him a trusted resource for clients and industry professionals alike.
In addition to his legal work, Tim is also a leading real estate educator in Massachusetts. Over the past decade, he’s presented at dozens of homebuyer and seller seminars throughout the eastern part of the state. As a licensed real estate instructor and founder of The Real Estate Academy—a chartered school—Tim teaches certification and continuing education courses for real estate agents. His commitment to teaching helps him stay ahead of legal developments and market trends, which directly benefits his clients.
Tim’s passion for education is reflected in his practice philosophy:
“An educated client is a satisfied client.”
When he’s not working with clients or teaching, Tim enjoys life on the South Shore with his wife, their three kids, and their loyal labs, Skipper and Puck. He’s happiest outdoors—whether it's boating, hiking, playing sports with his kids, or getting his hands dirty in the yard.
EDUCATION:​
-
Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA, J.D.
-
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, BSME
Barbara A. Emerson
Real Estate Attorney
Barbara is a knowledgeable, conscientious and highly-skilled real estate attorney. Upon graduating from Suffolk University Law School, Barbara joined her father and brother in the family firm specializing in municipal labor and school law. Transitioning to real estate in the late 1990’s, Barbara quickly found her niche. Working in small law firms with concentrations in residential real estate, Barbara learned to handle all aspects of residential real estate transactions from drafting purchase and sale agreements and title review to closing and post-closing responsibilities. No task is too small … or too big. Barbara’s goal in every transaction is to make the process of selling, buying or refinancing as smooth as possible for her clients.
Prior to joining Vanderveen Law, Barbara spent five years reviewing and clearing thousands of titles for a large, nationally recognized foreclosure firm.
For most people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will make. At Vanderveen Law, Barbara now employs her vast title expertise to ensure that all of her buyers receive a clean, worry-free title when they’re handed the keys at the closing table.
​
Raised in Milton, Barbara has resided in Marshfield since 1996.
​
​Since 2016, Barbara has participated in the Walk to End ALZ – South Shore in memory of her Aunt Pat and her sister-in-law’s mother Peg.
​
PRACTICE AREAS:
• Residential Real Estate
• Title Examination and review
• Title Curative
BAR ADMISSIONS/ASSOCIATIONS:
• Massachusetts
• U.S. District Court - District of Massachusetts
• Real Estate Bar Association
• Plymouth District Bar Association
EDUCATION:
• Suffolk University Law School, Boston, Mass., J.D.
• Wheaton College, Norton, Mass., B.A.
Christina Barakat
Senior Paralegal
Christina Barakat has worked as a real estate paralegal since 2000 and joined Vanderveen Law in 2005.
Christina attended Bridgewater State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at her boys’ schools and watching them participate in sports.
Christina lives on the south shore with her husband and two boys.
Nicole Picardi
Paralegal
Nicole Picardi has been in the real estate field since 2003, where she was a Title Examiner and joined Vanderveen Law in 2010.
Nicole went to Massasoit where she earned her Associates Degree in Business.
​
She loves to watch her 2 kids play sports and enjoys spending time with her family.