Key West commission to vote on hiring Orlando attorney as interim legal counsel
Prominent lawyer Mayanne Downs, who also serves as Orlando’s city attorney, could be tapped to stabilize Key West’s legal department amid fallout from indictments and ongoing political turmoil.
The Key West City Commission is expected to decide next Thursday, Oct. 9, whether to bring in prominent Orlando attorney Mayanne Downs to serve as city attorney on a month-to-month basis while the city continues its search for a permanent hire.
A resolution on the agenda calls for Downs, managing director of the DownsAaron Law Firm and a past president of The Florida Bar, to begin work Oct. 13 if approved.
A search committee led by former city attorney Shawn Smith told commissioners that it couldn’t find any qualified attorneys willing to take the job. Previously, the city had snubbed municipal specialist Dirk Smits of Vernis & Bowling.
Her letter of engagement, dated Sept. 24, lays out terms that would cap her service at 18 months, with either side able to terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice.
Under the agreement, Downs’ standard hourly rate of $825 will be discounted to $495 as a courtesy to the city. She pledged not to raise that rate during the contract’s term and said she would only use other attorneys in her firm if necessary — and at similarly reduced rates.
The contract also allows her to tap into existing Key West lawyers first before pulling in her own staff.
Who is Mayanne Downs?
Position: Managing director, DownsAaron Law Firm
Current roles: City Attorney for Orlando since 2007; Her firm represents the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. since
Background: Past president of The Florida Bar (2010–2011); previously served as president of the Orange County Bar Association; former general counsel to the Florida Democratic Party
Experience: More than 30 years practicing law, specializing in complex litigation, municipal law and governance; known for guiding clients through politically charged cases
Specialties: Commercial Litigation, appellate law, municipal and local government, shareholder and business disputes and high stakes family law
Reputation: Highly regarded across Florida’s legal community for her mix of courtroom skill and government experience; often tapped for high-profile roles in both local and statewide matters
The engagement letter also spells out billing and liability protections. Downs’ firm would invoice monthly, with payment due within seven days. The city would be responsible for covering disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, court filings and research. Unpaid invoices could accrue 1.5 percent monthly interest, and Downs reserved the right to withdraw from the engagement if bills go unpaid or conflicts arise.
The agreement further requires the city to indemnify Downs and her firm against any legal claims connected to her work. It specifies Orange County, Fla., as the venue for any disputes over fees or representation and waives the right to a jury trial in those cases.
If approved, Downs would join interim City Attorney Kendal Harden, who will remain on the payroll.
Harden, relatively inexperienced, was elevated after months of upheaval inside City Hall’s legal department. Some commissioners say they hope Harden will gain experience under Downs’ guidance and eventually grow into the role full-time — while others think on-the-job training is not a part of the position’s description.
That upheaval stems from a scathing grand jury report that implicated former City Attorney Ron Ramsingh, his brother Chief Building Officer Raj Ramsingh, and former Code Enforcement Director Jim Young in what amounted to a boardroom coup at City Hall. The trio were accused of orchestrating the termination of former City Manager Al Childress, who, according to evidence included in the report and indictments, was targeted by the three staff members along with City Commissioner Lissette Carey and several other former and current commissioners.
The move on Childress was the result of the “Corradino Report,” which the former City Manager commissioned and which showed glaring irregularities and ethical issues in the city’s building and planning departments.
During the Childress firing, Downs served as interim counsel helping the commission navigate through the process. She filled the same role during the termination without cause of Ron Ramsingh, who received a golden parachute valued at nearly $250,000.
The trio, along with Carey, moved to bury the report which was highly critical of the CBO. Even following the indictments, no real discussion has been held by commissioners on the report.
The scathing grand jury report faulted the city for lax oversight of permits, code enforcement and transparency, while also naming sitting and former commissioners. The Ramsinghs and Young have since been indicted, but Carey and several other commissioners referenced in the report have not been charged.
Supporters of hiring Downs argue her deep experience and the flexibility of a month-to-month contract will give Key West breathing room during a politically fraught period.
Downs is no stranger to municipal government. She currently serves as City Attorney for Orlando and her firm also holds the general counsel contract for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees Orlando International Airport. Her appointment in Key West would add another high-profile government client to her portfolio.
If approved Thursday, Downs would be in place for the commission’s October and November meetings and would represent the city until a permanent attorney is hired or the maximum 18-month period expires.
The city attorney provides legal advice to commissioners and staff, drafts ordinances and resolutions, and either defends the city in litigation or finds specialists to do so.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 1300 White Street, with an afternoon session resuming at 5 p.m.
At a Glance: Proposed City Attorney Engagement
Attorney: Mayanne Downs, DownsAaron Law Firm
Start date: Oct. 13, 2025 (if approved)
Rate: $495/hour (discounted from $825), plus expenses
Term: Month-to-month, up to 18 months
Termination: 30 days’ notice by either party
Billing: Monthly invoices, payment due in 7 days; 1.5% monthly interest on overdue bills
Indemnification: City must defend and indemnify Downs and her firm against claims tied to representation
Other municipal clients: City Attorney for Orlando; General Counsel for Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of their peers. Commissioner Carey and others mentioned in the grand jury report and interviewed by the FBI and State Attorney’s Office have yet to be indicted.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.
Yep, Ron Ramsingh designated her counsel during the Childress termination. She vehemently advised commissioners that they owed Key West citizens zero explanation as to their reason or rationale for termination.