Ellinger & Associates will start 2023 with a new name, the firm announced Monday, acknowledging the contributions of one of its founding partners.
The firm will become known as Ellinger Bell as of Jan. 1, after partner Stephanie Bell. Bell has focused her practice on regulatory, utility, tax, gaming, elections and other governmental issues. She has represented clients before circuit and appellate courts, as well as governmental agencies.
Her clientele includes elected officials, supporters and opponents of statewide ballot measures and Fortune 500 companies.
"It's been a pleasure growing our firm together," Bell said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing working alongside Marc as we provide customized legal services in unique areas of the law in Missouri and beyond."
Bell is also involved with the Mid-Missouri community, serving as an alderwoman for Ashland and on the advisory boards for groups including the Show-Me Institute, Missouri Women's Business Center and Southern Boone YMCA. She recently took over the Trolley Company in Jefferson City with her husband, Chris.
She also co-hosts "Wake Up Mid-Missouri' weekdays on 93.9 The Eagle and 104.5 KWOS News Radio.
Marc Ellinger, founding partner at the firm, applauded her work over the years for the wide-reaching group.
"Stephanie is one of the top lawyers in the State of Missouri and continues to provide superlative legal service and advice to our clients across the globe," Ellinger said. "She is the cornerstone to the growth and success of the firm -- I continue to be honored to call Stephanie my partner and to place her name alongside mine."
Ellinger is also set to be honored this year: He will be recognized as Lawyer of the Year by the Republican National Lawyers Association this month.
He will also end his tenure as president of the International Masters of Gaming Law, a role that saw him lead conferences and speaking engagements across the country and the globe concerning gaming law, operations and regulation.
Their firm, which is headquartered in Jefferson City but serves clients worldwide, was also recognized on the U.S. News Best Law Firm list for 2022, among other awards.