Stinson announces that according to data from SNL Financial, Stinson advised on more bank and thrift mergers and acquisitions, and branch sales, than any other U.S. legal advisor in 2012. The attorneys in Stinson's Banking & Financial Services Division advised on 14 whole bank transactions and five branch transactions that were announced in 2012.

Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP announces that Eric Mikkelson has joined the firm's Corporate Finance Division as a partner in the Kansas City office. Mikkelson, who has practiced for more than 20 years, advises business clients on a variety of business transactions. Recent transactions include representing a NYSE-listed corporation in its cross-border acquisition of a group of companies and representing a global manufacturing company in acquiring domestic manufacturing facilities.

Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP Partner Adrienne Clair was recently elected to serve as President of the Energy Bar Association (EBA). The EBA is a non-profit voluntary association of attorneys, non-attorney professionals and students, whose mission is to promote the professional excellence and ethical integrity of its members in the practice, administration and development of energy laws, regulations and policies. It is an international, nonprofit association of members active in all areas of energy law, with approximately 2,600 members, seven formal chapters across the U.S. and an increasing number of members across the U.S. and Canada.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis presented an Adelante Award to Stinson attorney Castor Armesto for his work with the Latino Leadership Institute. Named Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, Armesto was honored for his role in helping found the Latino Leadership Institute while serving as the president of the Hispanic Chamber.