Kimberly Van Bavel, Esq. – Associate Attorney

Kimberly Van Bavel, Esq., is an Associate Attorney at the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC. She represents clients in complex family law and civil litigation matters, offering strategic, compassionate advocacy in cases involving divorce, custody, child support, guardianships, as well as litigation arising out of motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and contract disputes.

Kimberly received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law where she was a Maryland Higher Education Commission Scholarship recipient. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Political Science.

Before joining the firm, Kimberly worked as an associate attorney for a boutique Towson law firm, focusing on personal injury, work-related incidents, and criminal law. Her passion for advocacy and attention to detail continue to define her work at the firm.

During her free time, Kimberly enjoys gardening, working with textiles, and road trips with her family.

Perneita Farrar, Esq. – Of Counsel, Trusts and Estates

Perneita Farrar, Esq., serves as Of Counsel in the firm’s Trusts and Estates practice. She helps clients protect assets, navigate probate, and promote generational wealth through effective estate planning and elder law strategies.

Perneita earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she interned with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of the Navy, and the Office of the Public Defender. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Maryland, University College.

Before joining the firm, she served as an Assistant County Attorney and launched a solo practice focusing on estate planning and elder law. Perneita is an active member of the Maryland Bar Association and the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys, and has been featured in several publications such as the Baltimore Magazine and the Maryland Bar Journal.

Tillena Bullock – Personal Injury Paralegal

With more than a decade of experience in law and legal services, Tillenna Bullock serves as a Personal Injury Paralegal at the Law Offices of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC where she provides direct litigation support, case management, and document preparation for complex personal injury matters. In this role, she works closely with clients and attorneys to ensure that each case is handled with precision, care, and a results-driven approach.

Tillenna is also an Adjunct Professor at the Community College of Baltimore County, where she teaches Introduction to Law and Law Office Ethics. She is passionate about shaping the next generation of legal professionals and promoting excellence in practice by equipping students with both practical knowledge and a deep understanding of professional responsibility.

In addition to her work with the firm, she is the founder of Bullseye Legal LLC, a paralegal services company offering comprehensive support in personal injury, criminal, civil, and family law. Whether serving clients at the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC, guiding individuals through Bullseye Legal LLC, or mentoring students in the classroom, Tillenna is recognized for her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

Matthew Buonato, JD – Law Clerk

Matthew Buonato, JD, supports the firm’s litigation team by drafting legal documents, conducting research, and preparing cases in the areas of family law and general civil litigation. His analytical approach ensures clients receive thorough and effective representation.

Matthew earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2022, where he served as a student attorney in the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, helping low-income individuals resolve tax-debt related to issues with the IRS and Comptroller of Maryland. He previously clerked for the Circuit Court for Baltimore City’s Family Division and worked for a boutique family law firm in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Matthew is a graduate of LaSalle University in Pennsylvania, where he earned dual degrees in English and Criminal Justice.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, and playing the guitar and bass.

Tory Young, JD – Law Clerk

Tory Young, JD, serves as a Law Clerk at the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC, where he provides legal research, drafting, and case preparation for the firm’s personal injury and civil litigation matters. He brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to his work.

He previously worked at a small firm where his primary duties were assisting with the firm’s personal injury practice.

Tory earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2025, where he also served as a Research Assistant. He graduated from Villanova University with dual majors in Philosophy and Political Science, and a minor in English and Peace and Justice.

Outside of work, Tory enjoys writing poetry and spending time with his rescue dog, Bridgette.

Ms. King – Firm Administrator

As Firm Administrator, Ms. King oversees the daily operations of the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC, managing scheduling, client communications, and firm logistics to ensure exceptional service delivery.

A Baltimore native, Ms. King brings a unique background in the arts, having studied dance at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Goucher College, and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York. She previously worked as a Youth Supervisor with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, where she used dance to inspire and motivate youth.

Ms. King has managed her own business for many years where she works on matters dealing with writing business proposals, project management, scheduling meetings, working and organizing vendor events, assisting in building, maintaining, and organizing various business-related tasks.

Since joining the firm in 2017, Ms. King has applied her organizational expertise to ensure smooth operations across all departments. Outside of work, she enjoys her work as a wellness practitioner and promotes healthy living and mindfulness.