Michael J. VanDerZee

Michael has spent his entire professional career in the service of our nation, the great state of Florida, and the citizens of his community. Whether as a Prosecutor, as an active duty JAG officer, or in private practice, Michael has worked to preserve and protect the rights of everyday Americans.

He formed the VanDerZee Law Group with a desire to provide top-notch and hands-on legal services to his hometown community. The firm concentrates its practice in civil litigation, family law, military law, landlord/tenant disputes, homeowner/condominium association law, wills, trusts & estate planning, contract law, and criminal defense.

Michael started his career with the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida. In his five years as a Prosecutor, he spent three as a lead felony prosecutor, responsible for handling career criminals and cases ranging from murder, aggravated assault, gun crimes, DUI Manslaughter, and drug trafficking. Michael handled all phases of the case from the investigatory stage through to the jury trial and verdict/sentencing. Michael was awarded the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving Prosecutor of the Year in 1997 for his work in prosecuting DUI offenses and in his education in alcohol awareness to college groups.

After the attacks of 9/11, Michael and his wife made the decision to join the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate. Michael was commissioned in December 2001, completed officer training in March 2002, and assigned to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. While at Elmendorf AFB, Capt VanDerZee was the Officer-In-Charge of Legal Assistance and Readiness/Deployment; Administrative Law; Military Justice; and the base tax office. His leadership of the tax office led to record numbers of returns filed for military members and dependents, to include record refunds in excess $3.5 million. He was named the Wing Staff Company Grade Officer in 2003.

His next duty assignment was at Randolph AFB, Texas as a Circuit Trial Counsel. As a CTC, Capt VanDerZee traveled extensively to handle high-profile courts-martial. He was the lead prosecutor for the Air Force in cases ranging from murder, child infanticide, child exploitation and abuse, drug offenses, and drug trafficking. He was a sought after instructor and educator on evidence, trial advocacy, and military law. At the conclusion of his tour, Capt VanDerZee and his family decided to leave active duty to return home to Central Florida. He continues to serve our nation as a member of the Florida National Guard.

For more on his military career and legal services provided to our military veterans, please see the Military Page on this site.

Upon returning home, Michael has worked in private practice since 2006, specializing in civil litigation, consumer law, HOA/community association law, and contract law. He has represented individual clients and corporate clients as both plaintiffs and defendants, including all phases of the process from investigations, filing/defending lawsuits, depositions, discovery, and trial. Michael has now opened the VanDerZee Law Group to serve the needs of those in his local community.

Michael and his family chose the Lakeland area due to the community’s sense of service, strong military ties, and hometown values. Having been raised in southwest Michigan and attended college in Indiana, this community fits right into his core values.

Bar Admission: Florida – 1996

• U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals - 2002
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces – 2002
• Federal District Court for the Northern District of Florida - 2007

Law School: Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude - 1996

College: DePauw University, B.A. - 1993

Military: Captain, U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate
Captain, Florida National Guard

Minister: Christian Ordained - 2009

Member: The Florida Bar Association, Lakeland Bar Association, Judge Advocates Association. Former Member of the American Bar Association, Osceola County Bar Association, National District Attorneys Association, Orange County Republican Executive Committee.

Personal: Wife, Teresa and two Sons, Tyler andJackson

Community Service: Little League Coach & Sponsor; Ministry Outreach Program; Military Veterans Assistance; Recognized IRS Tax Preparation Volunteer; Law Day Presenter at local schools; Speaker at Excel Christian Academy; Sigma Chi Fraternity Tampa Alumni Chapter

Awards/Recognition: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Pacific Air Forces Best Legal Office Award; Outstanding Unit Citation; American College of Trial Lawyers Advocacy Award; MADD Prosecutor of the Year (1997); CGO Award (2003); Regional Champion and National Semi-Finalist – Stetson’s National #1 Ranked Trial Team; Phi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.