
Don M. Downing, Appellate Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Class Action · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
DirectoratGray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.
St Louis, MO
Practicing appellate in St Louis since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 7
- Bar admissions
Are you Don M. Downing?
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Quick answer
Don M. Downing is a director based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Don has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Class Action
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Class Action matters from St. Louis, MO.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Don M. Downing: Don M. Downing is a director based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Don has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Don takes on
Don concentrates on appellate, business, class action, employment, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Don handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Class Action
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Employment
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in St Louis, Missouri
Don takes appellate matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Business cases in St Louis, Missouri
Don takes business matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in St Louis, Missouri
Don takes class action matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in St Louis, Missouri
Don takes employment matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in St Louis, Missouri
Don takes litigation matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Don M. Downing — appellate lawyer in St Louis
Don M. Downing is a director based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Don has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Don M. Downing is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, class actions, complex litigation and 3 other areas of law. Don has been licensed for 44 years. Don practices at Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C. in St. Louis, MO.
How Don handles appellate matters
Don M. Downing is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, class actions, complex litigation and 3 other areas of law. Don has been licensed for 44 years. Don practices at Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C. in St. Louis, MO.
The kind of cases Don takes
Don reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and class action matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Jurisdictions
Don's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1983 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1982 · ACTIVE
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Don has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Don's professional memberships and bar associations
The Missouri Bar
membership
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
Don M. Downing's office in St. Louis
Don's primary office is at Gateway One On The Mall, 701 Market Street, Suite 800, St. Louis, MO, 63101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.
Gateway One On The Mall, 701 Market Street, Suite 800
St. Louis, MO 63101
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Don M. Downing — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Don. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in St Louis.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Don M. Downing claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Don M. Downing — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Don usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Don charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Don will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in St Louis, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Don
Don discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Don confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Don's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Don M. Downing
How much does it cost to hire Don for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Don walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Don offer a free consultation?
Don charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Don's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Don gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Don take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
Don is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Don will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Don?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Don will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Don accepting new appellate clients right now?
Don's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Don handles appellate matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Missouri
If Don's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





