Mayanne Downs

Mayanne Downs is one of Florida’s leading litigators and appellate advocates, recognized for her exceptional experience handling complex commercial litigation, high-profile domestic disputes, and sophisticated appeals. A trusted advisor to corporations, business leaders, and individuals, she represents clients in high-stakes matters at both the trial and appellate levels, providing strategic counsel from the outset of litigation through final appeal.

An accomplished appellate practitioner, Mayanne has argued cases before all of Florida’s District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, including matters of first impression and cases involving significant legal and public policy issues. Her broader litigation practice encompasses commercial disputes, shareholder and business litigation, eminent domain, personal injury, legal malpractice defense, restrictive covenant litigation, statutory shareholder valuation matters, and complex family law cases involving high-net-worth and high-profile individuals. She has also represented clients in class actions, jury and bench trials, and one of the largest reported divorce settlements in Florida, exceeding $200 million, giving her a depth of trial experience that informs her appellate advocacy.

Widely respected for her leadership within the legal profession, Mayanne is the first woman to serve as City Attorney for the City of Orlando, where she advises the Mayor and City Commission on a broad range of legal and governmental matters. She also made history as the first woman Managing Director of GrayRobinson and has served as President of The Florida Bar, the Orange County Bar Association, the Legal Aid Society, and the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers. In addition, she serves on Florida’s Judicial Qualifications Commission, the constitutional body responsible for investigating and disciplining judges. Her work has been widely recognized: she has been named a Super Lawyer for more than 10 years, is listed as a Best Lawyer, is a Florida Trend Super Elite honoree, and DownsAaron has been recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers in 2025. Mayanne also serves as City Attorney for the City of Key West.

Recognized as one of Florida’s premier advocates, Mayanne combines extensive trial and appellate experience with exceptional strategic judgment, earning a reputation for successfully guiding clients through some of the state’s most challenging, high-profile, and precedent-setting legal disputes.