Missouri Lawyers Media Recognizes Three Stinson Professional Staff as Unsung Legal Heroes

07.14.2026

Stinson LLP Business Development Manager Kiely Phelan, Legal Administrative Assistant Team Lead Nikki Krone and Legal Administrative Assistant Barbara Fox have been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Media with the 2026 Unsung Legal Heroes Award.

The award honors law firm employees whose exceptional dedication and contributions have a significant impact on their firms and the legal profession.

Phelan partners with firm leaders to advance business development strategy for the Corporate Finance and Tax, Trusts & Estates practice divisions. She leads strategic client growth initiatives, coaches attorneys to strengthen their business development efforts, oversees high-impact pitches and proposals, and guides the successful integration of lateral partners. Known for combining strategic thinking with exceptional execution, she builds trusted relationships, creates accountability, and helps attorneys turn business development goals into meaningful, long-term growth.

Krone leads a team of legal administrative assistants supporting attorneys across multiple offices while balancing a broad range of responsibilities, including electronic file management, document preparation, court filings, and workflow management. She is known for embracing change, mentoring colleagues and improving processes, including helping implement firmwide technology enhancements and providing interim leadership during key staffing transitions.

Fox provides comprehensive administrative support to attorneys across multiple practice areas, managing everything from document preparation and matter administration to billing coordination and electronic file management. She also oversees a large portfolio of matters for a major firm client, ensuring compliance with complex billing requirements while serving as a trusted resource for attorneys and colleagues across the firm.

"Kiely, Nikki and Barbara exemplify the dedication, collaboration and commitment to excellence that strengthen our firm every day," said Stinson's Chief Human Resources Officer Heidi Burton. "Their contributions are essential to serving our clients and supporting their colleagues, and we are proud to see each of them recognized with this well-deserved honor."

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