VanderWoude & Roma, PLLC
Integrated Law: There Is A Reason They Call Us Counselors...
Matrimonial and employment actions involve stress and trauma generally acknowledged to have the greatest impact on people’s lives. There is no “one size fits all” solution to serve every client, nor can an attorney simply set a course to get the most he or she can get. Negotiating without principal is a recipe for disaster. Professionals normally do not—and should not—automatically approach their adversary with animus. Ultimately, scorched earth battles only identify a winner; they do not assess the damage done to achieve that result, nor do they contemplate the cost of healing.
Attempting to understand a client's real needs allows a lawyer to advise the client as to realistic expectations and--more importantly--the intangible losses and gains of their actions. It also allows two cooperating lawyers to settle in a manner more beneficial to both parties than any judge may order. For instance, in matrimonial matters, tax consequences are typically not of concern to a Court, and cooperation may put more funds at the parties' disposal. Blindly pursuing "more money" as the unitary goal is rarely the best way to achieve a victory, and almost never sufficient to make a client whole.
Contact us today if you need legal assistance with any of the following:
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Employment Law
- Estate Planning
- Matrimonial Law
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate Law
Here at VanderWoude & Roma, we don't just limit ourselves to one area of practice. We know that our clients may have overlapping issues on any given day that could range from employment matters to matrimonial law to maybe even personal injury (although we hope not). Call 845-225-6686 today to arrange your free initial consultation.
Attorney Neil VanderWoude
Neil spent the majority of his adult life as a design build contractor and an environmental consultant. He had spent almost fifteen years facilitating conversations between lawyers and engineers and then decided to attend law school. He began law school at Pace University in 2004, while working full time. He graduated from the program in 2008 at 58 years old and went into private practice. He is admitted in New York and Connecticut and is also admitted to practice before the Federal Courts in the Southern District of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Neil draws on a wealth of negotiating experience that goes back well beyond his law school tenure. His natural command of math stands him in good stead for much of the office involvement with matrimonial settlement options and tax issues in divorce. Neil also concentrates a significant portion of his practice in employment law, dealing with people who have been wrongfully terminated and victims of discrimination.
Under Neil’s supervision the firm has acquired a reputation for cordial and forthright dealing and forging cooperative and innovative settlements, but first and foremost VanderWoude & Roma is focused on the well-being of its clients.
Attorney Gerald Joseph Roma
Jerry graduated Carmel High School and attended Manhattanville College where he received a Bachelors Degree in political science with a double minor in legal studies and economics. While an undergraduate, he interned at Yonkers City Court, which seeded his first interest and then his decision to pursue law as a career. After college, Jerry spent six years working with his father’s electrical contracting firm while also doing general contracting on his own. He acquired a wealth of general construction knowledge that has allowed him to work effectively with contractors on their litigation and contract matters.
In 2008, Jerry attended Western New England University School of Law. During law school Jerry interned with the Hon. Judge Richard B. Liebowitz in the Westchester County Supreme Court and completed internships and externship with the Westchester County District Attorneys Office and the New York State Office of the Attorney General. After graduating Jerry went on to pass the New York and Connecticut bar exams.
Jerry joined VanderWoude and Associates (now VanderWoude & Roma) in September 2013, and became partner in March 2017. Jerry handles cases involving divorce, employment, construction litigation, criminal offenses, and real estate. Jerry's experiences both in and out of the legal profession provides him the unique ability to analyze a client's case while still being compassionate to the stress they suffer when confronting legal issues. This skill allows him to provide comprehensive representation to each client and advise them as to the best course of action in their specific situation.
Jerry is admitted in New York and Connecticut and is also admitted to practice before the Federal Court in the Southern District of New York.
Attorney Rachel Lauren Barmack
Rachel was born and raised in New York City. After attending college at the University of Vermont, Rachel worked as a paralegal in New Hampshire and New York in the areas of Intellectual Property (mainly trademark clearance and protection) and Personal Injury.
She graduated from Western New England University School of Law in 2011, then went on to pass the New York and Connecticut bar exams. After her admissions in 2012, she routinely appeared in the Civil Supreme Courts in all five boroughs of New York City for conferences, settlements, to argue motions, etc. She also handled some criminal matters in the Connecticut courts.
Rachel’s places a high level of importance on her relationship with her clients and making sure they feel comfortable and supported while zealously protecting and defending their rights