Don Downing named in Missouri Lawyers Weekly's POWER List for Commercial & Consumer Litigation - 2026
Don Downing has again been selected for inclusion in the Missouri Lawyers Weekly's POWER List for Commercial & Consumer Litigation — this time for 2026.
Downing's inclusion on the POWER List reflects his significant contributions to the Missouri legal community. He has served as a law clerk to a St. Louis federal judge; a partner in a large Kansas City law firm and later as managing partner of that firm’s St. Louis office; Deputy Attorney General of the State of Missouri; and, at various times during the last 22 years, as an attorney, shareholder and managing director at Gray Ritter Graham. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently earned the respect and admiration of peers and clients alike. His insightful strategies, tenacious advocacy, and successful track record have set him apart.
During his time at GRG, Downing has led teams of extraordinary lawyers in cases that have resulted in over $3 billion in recoveries for clients. Those recoveries include: (1) $750 million for rice farmers harmed by a large foreign company’s actions that resulted in the loss of the European Union market for US long-grain rice; total settlements exceeded $1 billion; (2) $1.51 billion for corn farmers harmed by another large foreign company’s actions that resulted in the loss of the Chinese market for US corn; (3) $400 million for soybean farmers and others harmed by herbicide drift; (4) $220 million for Missouri purchasers of the defective and dangerous drug Vioxx; and (5) a settlement valued at $267 million for uninsured patients who were overcharged by a large health care system.
About the Missouri Lawyers Weekly's POWER List:
The Missouri Lawyers Weekly's POWER List is a prestigious compilation of the most influential and accomplished legal professionals in the region. Recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions, the list showcases those who have made significant impacts within their respective fields of practice. Membership on the POWER List is a testament to an individual's exceptional skill, dedication, and lasting influence in the legal community.
