Mayanne has provided legal services and advice to clients throughout the State of Florida for over 35 years, with a focus on high-conflict, high stakes matters. She served as General Counsel and Managing Partner for a statewide law firm, the first woman to hold those positions. She has served as president of the Orange County Bar Association, the Legal Aid Society, the Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and the 100,000+-member Florida Bar. She graduated from the University of Florida Law School at the top of her class. Mayanne was the first woman to serve as Orlando’s City attorney and has held that position since being appointed by the Mayor in 2007. She is proudest of being the first female managing partner of a major law firm in the Southeastern United States and the single parent of two of her 4th generation Central Floridian children.
Mayanne received both her bachelor’s and juris doctor from the University of Florida. In law school, after studying at Emory University, her grandfather's alma mater, Mayanne held two senior editorial positions at the University of Florida Law Review; was chancellor of the Student Honor Court; a member of the University of Florida Hall of Fame; tapped into Florida Blue Key; received numerous book awards and graduated with highest honors, among other academic distinctions.
Mayanne currently serves on the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates and adjudicates allegations of judicial misconduct.
Mayanne has represented many high-profile clients in a wide range of matters including jury and non-jury trials and appeals at all levels of state and federals courts, Her practice areas include complex commercial litigation, business planning and dispute resolution counseling, class actions, data breach, eminent domain, legal and accounting malpractice, municipal law, and domestic matters.
She is the combination of intelligence, tenacity, and willingness to get things done, unlike anyone I’ve ever known.
-Biff Marshall, Chair of the Board, GrayRobinson
“Mayanne is one of the best negotiators I have ever seen. She's able to put people at ease with her knowledge and expertise and take command of a situation to get things done — and in a responsible and reasonable manner.”
-Buddy Dyer, Mayor, City of Orlando
Experience
Commercial Litigation
Appellate
Municipal & Local Government
Shareholder & Business Dispute
High Stakes Family Law
Education
J.D., University of Florida, High Honors, 1987
B.A., University of Florida, 1979
Emory University, 1974-1976
Admissions
Florida U.S. Supreme Court
11th Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
“To me, and with all due respect to Sheryl Sandberg, the phrase “Lean in” is pallid and faint. What I tell women is to jump in. The key to overcoming gender bias is to be so good at your job you’re as close to being indispensable as possible.”