ORLANDO, FL – June 23, 2016 – Attorney Mayanne Downs, firmwide chair of the Litigation Department and president and managing shareholder-elect of GrayRobinson, has been named the fifth most powerful person in Orlando by Orlando Magazine. This is Orlando Magazine’s thirteenth annual 50 Most Powerful List. The list encompasses citizens of Orlando who "influence our lives in myriad ways" and includes government leaders, business and tourism leaders, community activists, business owners, legal minds, philanthropists and educators.
"Downs continues to be a major power player both inside and outside city hall," as Orlando Magazine stated. She was recently elected with unanimous approval by the firm’s board of directors to lead GrayRobinson in the coming years, effective September 1, 2016. She has been a powerful figure in the Central Florida business community for over 35 years and has practiced law for 25 years. Her practice areas include commercial litigation, appellate law and high-stakes domestic matters. She has served as city attorney of Orlando since 2007, overseeing 25 lawyers and providing counsel to the mayor and city commission. She is also past president of The Florida Bar (2010-2011), a mandatory bar of more than 100,000 lawyers.
Downs has been recognized by Orlando Magazine in the 50 Most Powerful list since 2012, each year increasing in rank. She has also been featured in the Magazine’s Best Lawyers. She is named to Florida Trend's "Legal Elite"; Florida Super Lawyers; Martindale-Hubbell; and Best Lawyers in America. She was nominated by the state Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to Florida's 5th District Court of Appeal.