 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.
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. 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.”  On Friday, February 21st, Marc Ellinger, partner at Ellinger Bell, moderated a distinguished panel discussing the far-reaching implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright v. Department of the Interior at the Federalist Society’s Missouri Chapters Conference. This pivotal case reshaped the regulatory landscape, and the panel explored how state governments can reduce regulatory overreach, streamline governance, and curb administrative expansion. The discussion focused on the role of the Governor and Attorney General in scaling back unnecessary rules and regulations while fostering a more efficient state government.
Drawing on his extensive experience in election law, regulatory affairs, and government oversight, Ellinger led an engaging conversation with key legal and policy experts, including Lowell Pearson, General Counsel to Governor Mike Kehoe; Kurt Schaefer, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Ethan Harper, General Counsel to U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt; and Eli Nachmany, Associate at Covington & Burling LLP. The panel examined how the Attorney General’s role could evolve under the next administration in Washington, D.C., and how that shift could be leveraged to roll back burdensome administrative policies at the state level. As a former Presiding Commissioner of Cole County and a respected authority in governmental law, Ellinger was uniquely positioned to lead this discussion on the balance between executive authority and regulatory oversight. His leadership in moderating the panel underscored his commitment to advancing legal and policy solutions that enhance efficiency, accountability, and the proper limits of government intervention. With the Supreme Court’s ruling setting a new precedent, Ellinger’s expertise helped illuminate the path forward for Missouri and beyond.  Stephanie Bell and Ellinger Bell, a distinguished law firm in Jefferson City, Missouri, has been honored with the title of "Missouri's Best 2025" in the Law Firm/Lawyer category. This recognition, awarded by Missouri's Best, highlights the firm's exceptional legal services and commitment to excellence within the state's legal community.
Led by accomplished attorneys Stephanie Bell and Marc Ellinger, Ellinger Bell focuses on complex government-related legal matters, including election law, regulatory issues, and industries such as gaming and utilities. Their combined expertise and leadership have been instrumental in building the firm’s reputation for delivering strategic and effective legal counsel to clients across Missouri. The "Missouri's Best" awards are determined through community nominations and votes, reflecting the firm's strong standing and trust within the local community. This accolade underscores Ellinger Bell's dedication to serving its clients with integrity and professionalism, reinforcing its position as a leading law firm in Missouri.  Stephanie S. Bell, a partner at Ellinger Bell in Jefferson City, earned her law degree and a master’s in public administration from the University of Missouri in 2009. In addition to her legal career, Bell is actively involved in community service, serving on various boards and as an alderman for Ward 2 in Ashland.
Bell’s passion for law began during a legislative internship at Truman State University, where she witnessed the influence attorneys had in shaping policy. This experience led her to pursue a career in law, focusing on litigation related to state government. She enjoys the complexity and evolving nature of her practice, particularly in cases involving ballot measures and regulatory law. Regarding Missouri’s recent Amendment 2, which narrowly passed with 50.05% of the vote, Bell was not surprised by the close margin, citing the state’s history of tightly contested gaming measures. She explains that Missouri’s gaming industry is highly regulated, and the amendment will introduce both retail and mobile sports betting licenses. The state is required to begin issuing these licenses by December 1, 2025, learning from the experiences of 38 other states with legal sports betting. Although sports betting is new to Missouri, Bell notes that the state has prior experience with other highly regulated industries, such as fantasy sports and medical marijuana. The Missouri Gaming Commission has previously handled competitive licensing processes, ensuring strict compliance with regulations. Bell emphasizes that the transition to sports betting will follow established regulatory procedures to ensure a smooth and well-managed rollout.  Marc Ellinger, attorney and founding partner of Ellinger Bell LLC, appeared on the Associated Industries of Missouri (AAIM) this morning to discuss ongoing litigation surrounding Proposition A, which addresses minimum wage and sick leave issues in Missouri. The case, currently before the Missouri Supreme Court, raises critical questions about legislative and initiative processes.
During the podcast, Ellinger delved into the history of Proposition A, outlining its origins and its path through the legislative and initiative systems. He highlighted key problems with the proposition, including its potential conflicts with existing state laws and the broader implications for businesses and employees. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the timing of the litigation, as the case comes at a crucial juncture for employers and workers in Missouri. Ellinger underscored the challenges of navigating the legislative process versus the initiative process, emphasizing the importance of clarity and balance in the state's approach to addressing workplace policies. Ellinger’s insights provided valuable context on the complex legal and policy issues surrounding Proposition A, offering listeners a clearer understanding of its potential impact on Missouri's economy and workforce. You can listen to the podcast here.  At the RNLA's annual holiday reception, Chair Marc Ellinger delivered remarks to commemorate the organization's achievements and recognize key contributors. Ellinger highlighted the RNLA's continued growth and its pivotal role in the successes of the 2024 presidential election. He spoke with pride about the organization's dedication to promoting the rule of law and strengthening its impact nationwide.
A significant moment of the evening was Ellinger's recognition of Michael Thielen for his 25 years of exemplary service to the RNLA. He praised Thielen's unwavering commitment and leadership, which have been instrumental in the organization's growth and success over the years. Members expressed their gratitude for Thielen’s dedication and celebrated his milestone achievement. To honor Thielen’s legacy, Ellinger presented a framed letter from former Attorney General Ed Meese. The letter expressed deep appreciation for Thielen's contributions to the RNLA and the conservative legal movement. This heartfelt tribute underscored the impact of Thielen’s decades-long service and his lasting influence on the organization.  Ellinger Bell is thrilled to announce our inclusion in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms list. We’re honored to be recognized among the nation’s top law firms and proud to represent the Columbia-MO market as a Tier 1 firm in both gaming law and administrative/regulatory law.
As the only Jefferson City-based firm to achieve Tier 1 recognition in two categories, this award highlights our commitment to excellence and the unique expertise of our team. We’re deeply grateful to our clients for their continued trust in us, and we remain committed to providing innovative, responsive, and personalized legal services across corporate, state, and local government matters. With decades of experience and a dedication to using advanced technology, we deliver high-quality counsel in specialized areas of the law. The U.S. News “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes feedback from clients and peers, ensuring only the most outstanding firms make the list. Thank you to all who support and believe in Ellinger Bell—we’re honored to serve you. |