​Marc Ellinger argued in the Missouri Supreme Court Wednesday, April 17th on the Laura Salamun vs. The Camden County Clerk. Listen to the argument here: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=171834&year=2024...

​Last Friday, the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) hosted an insightful webinar moderated by Marc Ellinger on the topic of noncitizen voting and the border crisis.

In this timely webinar, participants delved into the complex issues surrounding noncitizen voting and its implications for our electoral system. With the recent surge in migration at the border, understanding the intersection between immigration policies and voting rights had never been more crucial.

Esteemed guests joined the program, including an elections reporter from The Federalist and two distinguished representatives from America First Legal. Together, they provided expert analysis and insights into the legal, political, and practical aspects of noncitizen voting and the ongoing border crisis.

Marc Ellinger guided the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topic and facilitating meaningful dialogue among the panelists. With his wealth of experience in law and public policy, Marc brought a unique perspective to the conversation, enriching our understanding of these critical issues.
The webinar provided valuable insights into one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. We appreciate everyone who attended and participated in the engaging and informative discussion.

Stephanie Bell, recently attended the Global Gaming Women (GGW) meet-up held in London. GGW sponsored the Game Changers Panel & Networking Event.

The event, renowned for its commitment to empowering women across the gaming sector, provided a platform for industry leaders like Bell to share insights and foster meaningful connections.

GGW captured the event in a video, available here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/global-gaming-women_ice24-ice2024-icelondon-activity-7161387796245405697-yyrc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

​Marc Ellinger recently led pivotal discussions as a moderator at the first ever joint Masterclass between the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The event, held on Monday, 5th February, brought together industry leaders and regulatory authorities to address critical issues shaping the gaming sector.

Marc Ellinger facilitated discussions on the fundamentals of good regulation and the importance of regulatory collaboration. Panelists, Andrew Rhodes, Chair of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Tim Richards EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Everi Holdings, Inc., and Tracey Elkerton, Chief Compliance Officer for Aristocrat Leisure Limited, explored topics such as consumer protection, market integrity, and future-proofing regulation amidst technological advancements.
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Marc Ellinger's moderation skills, experience and knowledge of gaming law enriched the dialogue, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in substantive discussions, share best practices, and explore collaborative approaches towards regulatory excellence and operational efficiency. The joint IMGL/IAGR Masterclass with Marc Ellinger as moderator, underscored the industry's commitment to navigating challenges and fostering innovation. By facilitating meaningful discussions and fostering collaboration, Ellinger and the panelists paved the way for a more resilient and sustainable gaming industry.

​In a period marked by continuity and a commitment to the founding vision, the Jefferson City Chapter of the Federalist Society recently witnessed a change in leadership. Following the tenure of Jennifer Bukowsky, Marc Ellinger assumed the presidency, continuing the chapter's tradition of dynamic leadership and community engagement.

Marc follows in the footsteps of Stephanie Bell, who served as president from 2017 to 2019. Together the late David Welch, Ellinger and Bell are the chapter's three initial founding members. The transition in leadership reflects the chapter's enduring commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Beyond leadership transitions, the Jefferson City Chapter has a robust calendar of events, including at least six gatherings per year consisting of a mix of legal programs on current issues and social events.

As the chapter enters a new chapter under Ellinger's leadership, it does so with a sense of purpose and a commitment to building upon the legacy of those who have come before. With each event and initiative, the chapter reaffirms its dedication to the principles of the Federalist Society.
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The Jefferson City Chapter looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With Marc Ellinger at the helm, the chapter stands poised to continue its tradition of excellence and to make a meaningful difference across Missouri.

​The ongoing legal battle over Missouri House Rule 127, which allows lawmakers to maintain confidentiality over certain documents, has now moved the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District. The Court recently heard oral arguments regarding the rule's compliance with the 2018 voter-approved constitutional amendment, Clean Missouri, which subjects the General Assembly to transparency laws.

Marc Ellinger, representing the Missouri House, argued that the House could have imposed even stricter restrictions on access and emphasized that the documents were produced with minimal redactions. He contended that while Clean Missouri rendered legislative records public, it did not automatically classify them as open records. Ellinger highlighted the distinction between public records and open records, asserting that legislative records "shall be public records and subject to generally applicable state laws governing public access to public records, including the 'Sunshine Law.'"

The legal dispute originated from a 2019 lawsuit filed by Mark Pedroli, a St. Louis-based attorney specializing in government transparency. The case was prompted by a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report revealing letters allegedly sent by constituents supporting legislation against out-of-state companies. Pedroli's lawsuit claims that some legislators withheld records or redacted information when asked to produce emails resembling those received by elected officials.

The Cole County Circuit Court previously ruled in favor of the House in January, asserting that the Sunshine Law allows certain records to be protected and only grants access to open and public records. The appeals court judges, however, provided few indications of their leanings during the recent hearing.

The outcome of this legal battle, which may ultimately reach the Missouri Supreme Court on appeal, will significantly impact the delicate balance between legislative confidentiality and the public's right to transparency. Marc Ellinger's arguments and the court's eventual decision will play a crucial role in shaping the interpretation and application of transparency laws in Missouri.

​Marc Ellinger argued in WD Court of Appeals in the case Malin v. ACT Missouri on May 2, 2023. Today the Court upheld ACT Missouri’s victory in the trial court in a 3-0 opinion. This decision has set a new standard in that factors have to be weighed to determine whether the Sunshine Law applies to an entity. The Court held that no one factor is controlling. The result of this case is that the nonprofit’s records are not subject to the open records law. Malin was represented by the ACLU. This case was an open records case of first impression opinion that set policy across the state of Missouri. This case affects all non-profit contracts with governments in Missouri. Ellinger Bell actively litigates open records and sunshine law cases and FOIA cases.

Marc Ellinger led a panel of state attorneys general at the Republican Lawyers Association Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday May 12.

​The panel included Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Watch the full panel as well as remarks from Rep. Jim Jordan in the link below. 
Rep. Jim Jordan and State Attorneys General Speak at Republican National Lawyers Association Conference | C-SPAN.org

Jefferson City, Missouri- On May 16th, 2023, Stephanie Bell is being honored at Zonta’s Women of Achievement Yellow Rose Luncheon at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. She is being honored along with nine other outstanding Mid-Missouri women. Those honored meet the criteria of being noted for their exceptional achievements in their chosen field or as a volunteer working to improve the community. Two women will be chosen to receive the “Women of Achievement” award. In addition, Zonta will honor a “Lifetime Achievement Winner.” 

This year the theme for the luncheon is “Celebrating Women Without Limits.” The celebration speaker will be Desireé Reed-Francois, the first female Director of Athletics for the University of Missouri and in the SEC. 

Zonta is an international organization committed to empowering women through service and advocacy. The local Zonta Chapter has made a commitment to the advancement of women by awarding Second Chance Scholarships to assist local women who want to advance or start new careers. The Second Chance Scholarship Program has changed the lives of many local women. The Zonta Club of Jefferson City has awarded over $380,000 in scholarships to date. 

Stephanie has been a partner at the Ellinger Bell law firm since its founding in 2018 and has practiced law for more than a decade. Since May of 2021, Stephanie has been a part of the “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” radio show from 5:30-9:00 weekday mornings on Zimmer Communications’ stations. In 2020, Stephanie was appointed to the Ashland Board of Aldermen, was later elected to that office, and continues to serve. In 2022, Stephanie and her husband bought and now operate The Trolley Company.  ​