JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Ellinger Bell is pleased to announce that Stephanie Bell has been admitted to practice law in Kansas, extending the firm's regulatory and administrative law capabilities across state lines.

Bell's admission to the Kansas Bar strengthens Ellinger Bell's ability to serve utilities and gaming clients navigating multi-state regulatory environments and expands the firm's footprint in two critical practice areas.

"Many of our utilities and gaming clients operate across multiple jurisdictions, and regulatory matters increasingly require counsel who can work seamlessly in neighboring states," said Bell. "Being admitted in Kansas allows us to provide even more comprehensive service to clients dealing with interstate regulatory issues, whether that's utilities with operations in both Missouri and Kansas, or gaming entities navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in both states."

Ellinger Bell has earned Tier 1 recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms rankings for the mid-Missouri region, reflecting the firm's sophisticated work in: Administrative/Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation, Gaming Law, and Government Relations Practice.
Utilities Regulation: Ellinger Bell has represented public utilities, state agencies, municipalities, landowners, small businesses, and industrial corporations, hyperscale data center consumers, developers and other stakeholders in matters before state public service commissions, including rate proceedings, certification matters, compliance issues.

Gaming and Regulatory Compliance: Ellinger Bell covers the full spectrum of Missouri regulated gaming — from casino, supplier, and bingo licensees to fantasy sports, Gaming REITs, and sweepstakes compliance. The firm handles licensing applications, regulatory compliance, change-of-control transactions, financial transaction notices.

For more information about Ellinger Bell's expanded multi-state Administrative and Regulatory practice, contact Stephanie Bell at [email protected].

About Ellinger Bell
Ellinger Bell represents businesses, organizations, and individuals in a wide array of corporate, state, and local government matters.

​Ellinger Bell is proud to announce that Marc H. Ellinger has been selected to the 2025 Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers list, an honor reserved for only 5% of attorneys in the region. This prestigious recognition highlights Marc’s exceptional legal expertise and his ongoing dedication to excellence in the practice of law.

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized rating service that evaluates attorneys through a rigorous selection process, which includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. Being included in the Super Lawyers list provides third-party validation of Marc’s outstanding work, strengthens his professional network, and demonstrates to clients and peers alike the high standards of service and integrity he upholds.
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Marc’s inclusion on this list is a testament to his deep commitment to his clients, his proven track record in complex legal matters, and his reputation as a trusted advocate across Missouri and Kansas.

Marc Ellinger of Ellinger Bell recently moderated a distinguished panel on election security and administration at Republican National Lawyers Association National Policy Event. The discussion focused on timely and complex issues including election security during emergencies, the role of tabulation machines, and the ongoing challenges of voter registration list maintenance.

Panelists included Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Christy McCormick, and EAC Chair Don Palmer, each offering valuable insights drawn from their unique roles. Secretary Adams highlighted Kentucky’s proactive approach to ensuring secure elections even in the face of natural emergencies, emphasizing the importance of preparation and planning to maintain voter confidence. Commissioner McCormick discussed the EAC’s innovative proposals for enhancing voter registration list maintenance, referencing tools such as the NCOA and SAVE databases, as well as pilot programs utilizing third-party credit data to strengthen accuracy and reliability.

Chairman Palmer addressed the growing need to professionalize election audits nationwide, underscoring the role they play in bolstering transparency and public trust. He also provided context on the impact of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order related to election integrity. Together, the panel offered a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of election administration, underscoring both the progress made and the work still ahead in safeguarding the democratic process.

When utility rate cases involve hundreds of millions in revenue and infrastructure decisions shape decades of operations, utility customers need counsel who understands that regulatory outcomes directly impact financial performance.
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Stephanie Bell has been recognized for Utilities Law in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®—an acknowledgment from peers who know the stakes and complexity of utility regulation.

Bell's practice encompasses the full range of utility regulatory matters: from rate case proceedings before the Missouri Public Service Commission to infrastructure development approvals and service territory approvals. Her clients include municipalities, landowners, energy project developers, and major technology companies with significant power requirements operating across Missouri's diverse regulatory landscape.

For customers who face rate proceedings, Bell helps position cases for favorable outcomes through strategic testimony preparation, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Her understanding of Commission priorities and procedural requirements helps clients navigate complex evidentiary hearings and settlement negotiations.

For major power users pursuing, she guides new tariff and special contract approvals that can determine project viability. With Missouri's growing data center industry driving unprecedented energy demand, Bell's counsel addresses the unique regulatory challenges of securing adequate power supply for large-scale technology operations.

Bell's value lies in recognizing that utilities law is ultimately about balancing financial performance with regulatory compliance and public interest obligations. Her approach helps clients achieve favorable rate structures and rates, maintain regulatory relationships, and position for long-term operational success.

This Best Lawyers recognition confirms Bell's standing among attorneys who handle Missouri's most significant utility matters and regularly refer complex regulatory proceedings.
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For large power users, developers of hyperscale projects, or attorneys with clients facing Missouri regulatory proceedings, contact Ellinger Bell.

Stephanie Bell has been selected for the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Administrative/Regulatory Law—a recognition earned through peer nominations from attorneys who know the stakes of high-level regulatory practice.

When regulatory approval can make or break a market entry strategy, or when agency enforcement threatens business operations, you need counsel who understands how government actually works.​

For businesses entering regulated markets, Bell doesn't just handle compliance—she shapes regulatory strategy. Whether it's positioning license applications for approval, negotiating with agency staff, or timing submissions to maximize competitive advantage, her counsel can turn regulatory requirements into business opportunities.

For companies facing enforcement actions, she leverages deep agency relationships and procedural expertise to negotiate favorable resolutions. From campaign finance disputes, license disciplinary actions, to utility disputes, Bell's track record demonstrates outcomes that give client’s tangible benefit.

Bell's strategic advantage lies in understanding that regulatory matters are never just about legal compliance—they're about enabling business strategies, protecting market positions, and creating competitive advantages. Her clients include Fortune 100 companies, international companies, and growing businesses that need regulatory expertise as sophisticated as their business models.

This Best Lawyers recognition confirms what referring attorneys and clients already know: when regulatory counsel can determine business success, Stephanie Bell provides the experience that matters.
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For businesses navigating Missouri's complex regulatory environment, or attorneys seeking experienced counsel for their clients, contact Ellinger Bell.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Marc H. Ellinger, founding partner of Ellinger Bell, has been selected for inclusion in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® 2025, marking his 12th consecutive year of recognition.
Ellinger was recognized in four practice areas:
Administrative/Regulatory Law
Commercial Litigation
Gaming Law
Government Relations Practice
​​Peer-Driven Excellence​
The Best Lawyers in America® selections are based entirely on confidential peer evaluations from thousands of leading attorneys who assess their colleagues' professional abilities within their communities and specializations.
"Being recognized by your peers year after year represents the highest form of professional validation," said Ellinger. "This honor reflects the collaborative excellence of our entire team at Ellinger Bell, not just individual achievement.”

Strategic Legal Leadership
Ellinger's diverse practice encompasses sophisticated counsel for businesses, government entities, and regulatory bodies throughout Missouri and beyond. His knowledge and experience encompasses complex administrative matters, high-stakes commercial litigation, gaming industry issues, and government relations.

Ellinger Bell has a firm culture centered on legal excellence and client service, strategically positioned in Jefferson City to serve clients with state government and regulatory matters. The 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® is available at bestlawyers.com.

​On April 10, 2025, legal professionals from across Missouri gathered at the Ameristar Casino & Resort in St. Charles to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in law at the annual Women’s Justice Awards. The event honored women who exemplify leadership, service, and integrity within the legal profession and beyond. With categories ranging from Public Service to Innovation & Technology, the awards shine a spotlight on women making a lasting impact on justice and the legal system in a variety of arenas.

Among this year’s distinguished honorees was Stephanie Bell, who received the award in the General Practitioner category. This recognition is given to attorneys who demonstrate excellence across multiple areas of practice, skillfully handling the diverse needs of their clients with professionalism and dedication. Bell's commitment to serving her clients and her community has made her a standout in Missouri’s legal landscape, and this honor reflects her years of hard work, legal acumen, and unwavering dedication to justice.

The Women’s Justice Awards are known for highlighting both seasoned professionals and rising stars, such as law students recognized in the “Leaders of Tomorrow” category. The evening was filled with stories of mentorship, innovation, public service, and resilience—underscoring the powerful role women play in shaping the legal profession and expanding access to justice across the state.
As photos from the evening captured smiles, hugs, and heartfelt moments, the 2025 Women’s Justice Awards served not only as a celebration of individual achievements, but also as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and leadership of women in law. Congratulations to Stephanie Bell and all the inspiring recipients who continue to pave the way forward.

Marc Ellinger, a founding partner at Ellinger Bell, recently appeared on the iGaming Daily podcast to discuss the implications of tariffs and trade wars on the casino industry. The episode, titled "Tariffs – Trade Wars on Casino Floors," was recorded during the IMGL 2025 Spring Conference in Vancouver and featured insights from industry leaders, including Daron Dorsey, Zane Hansen, and Joerg Hofmann.
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In the discussion, Ellinger and his fellow panelists explored how international trade policies, particularly tariffs, are affecting the gaming sector. They examined the challenges casinos face due to increased costs of imported gaming equipment and the broader economic impacts of trade tensions. The conversation highlighted the need for the gaming industry to adapt to these economic shifts and consider strategies to mitigate potential disruptions.
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Listeners interested in understanding the intersection of global trade policies and the gaming industry can access the full episode on the iGaming Daily podcast platform. The episode provides valuable perspectives on how casinos and related businesses can navigate the complexities of international trade dynamics.

​Marc Ellinger and Stephanie Bell of Ellinger Bell led the challenge to Proposition A, a voter-approved measure raising Missouri’s minimum wage and mandating paid sick leave, before the state’s highest court. Ellinger argued in the Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 12, that the law is unconstitutional due to its multiple subjects and misleading language. “Proposition A combines unrelated policies and fails to meet constitutional requirements,” Ellinger stated. “It should be struck down.”

Ellinger Bell represents a coalition of business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Missouri, and the National Federation of Independent Business. Proposition A’s vague fiscal note and unequal application create significant financial and compliance risks for employers. With the sick leave requirement set to take effect on May 1, businesses face uncertainty while awaiting the court’s decision.

The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on March 12, with a ruling expected within a month. Ellinger remains confident, stating, “Missouri voters deserve clarity and fairness in the laws governing their businesses and workplaces and we look forward to the Court upholding the Constitution by striking down the flawed Proposition.”