​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.  ​

Marc Ellinger and Stephanie Bell are attending the International Masters of Gaming Law Spring Conference in Napa, California. This is a semi-annual meeting of the members of the International Masters of Gaming Law. Ellinger and Bell are the only two General Members of the IMGL in Missouri.

This year's conference includes panels on Sports betting, supplier licensing issues, emerging markets, tribal gaming and other panels shown here: https://www.imgl.org/events/imgl-2023-spring-conference/

The main mission of the IMGL is education on the subject of gaming. These yearly conferences are also a great way for our over 300 members to network with others in the industry.
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Ellinger Bell represents operators, suppliers, affiliates and licensees in the US and around the world.

​Marc Ellinger was recently appointed as a trustee of the Missouri Hospital Association. The Missouri Hospital Association encompasses all Missouri hospitals. This appointment is for a one-year term and is eligible to be appointed to two additional one-year terms. Ellinger previously served as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Capital Region Medical Center and continues to serve as a board member. Through his many years of service on the CRMC board, as a former Presiding Commissioner of Cole County, and as a prominent Republican attorney, Marc brings a unique viewpoint as a non-healthcare member with a conservative voice to the MHA board. 

Stephanie Bell was recently reelected as Alderwoman for Ward 2 in Ashland, Missouri. She was first appointed to the Board of Aldermen by Mayor Richard Sullivan in 2020. She has served as the Mayor Pro Tem since that time.

Since beginning her service, a new city hall and police station have been built. The board is also in the process of developing a new zoning code. The city has continued to see rapid population growth as well as a significant increase in new businesses and economic development projects. The Board of Aldermen meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the City of Ashland, visit: https://www.ashlandmo.us/.