David Veenstra started his legal career in Tampa, where he has worked on a variety of civil litigation at the trial and appellate level, including foreclosure defense, bankruptcy, contract, landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning, probate, guardianship, qualifying and applying for Medicaid, and virtually all aspects of family law. Today, his focus is on family law (especially when there is a military aspect of it), and other civil litigation.
He attended the Stetson University College of Law and graduated in the top half of his class. As a student he served as a Research Assistant for Family Law and in Trial Advocacy. He also achieved IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly Advanced Certification and served as a local site supervisor in the VITA program.
While a student Mr. Veenstra was inducted into the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, was awarded the Fred G. Minnis Sr. Bar Association Diversity Scholarship, and received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award.
Military Service
Prior to becoming an attorney, he served in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his career he was assigned to nine separate locations, including four overseas tours (in the Pacific, the Far East, Southwest Asia and in Europe). A combat veteran, SMSgt Veenstra deployed overseas to participate in both Operation DESERT STORM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, including leading troops while under fire in Iraq. He was also responsible for installation security at Andrews Air Force Base, home of Air Force One, and traveled with Air Force One outside the United States. Additionally, he traveled extensively for the Air Force on other missions, serving in 35 separate countries on every populated continent on earth.
An Honor Graduate of the Air Force Law Enforcement Academy, SMSgt Veenstra served his entire career in the military police. As an Airman he received the following awards and decorations: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (4), Air Force Commendation Medal (7), Air Force Achievement Medal (7), Army Achievement Medal (1), Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Star Devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, Coast Guard Expert Rifle Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Coast Guard Expert Pistol Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait.
Personal
Mr. Veenstra was born and raised here in the Tampa Bay area, and graduated from H.B. Plant High School before matriculating at the University of South Florida. He is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He has been married to Diane Veenstra since 1984. Mrs. Veenstra is an elementary school classroom teacher who specializes in math and science. They have a passion for life, a love of children, and a great appreciation for family and friends.
The Veenstra’s son, David Jr., is also an Eagle Scout.
Court Admissions
- Florida Supreme Court and State Courts in Florida
- United States District Court Middle District of Florida
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- United States Tax Court
Professional Organizations
- The Florida Bar
- Florida Bar Military & Veterans Affairs Committee
- Hillsborough County Bar Association Military & Veterans Affais C0mmittee
- FBI National Academy Associates
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Education
- Juris Doctor, Stetson University College of Law
- Master of Science, Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, University of South Florida
Other Education & Training
- FBI National Academy, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Department of Defense Inspector General School
- Hostage/Crisis Negotiations
- Master Instructor, Professional Association of Diving Instructors