Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP was formed May 1, 2002 as a result of the combination of two large, established law firms headquartered in Kansas City – Morrison & Hecker L.L.P. and Stinson, Mag & Fizzell, P.C. Each of these predecessor firms earned, in its own right, a long standing reputation for the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client and community service resulting in a combination of true equals with the mission of providing improved legal services to our clients.
Stinson, Mag & Fizzell was founded in 1878 by Frank Rozzelle. Mr. Rozzelle served as personal attorney for William Rockhill Nelson, founder of the Kansas City Star and benefactor of Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The principal architect of the firm was Arthur Mag, who joined the firm in 1920. Mr. Mag became Harry Truman's personal lawyer, was prominent in local civic and international circles, and skillfully guided the firm through continued growth and several name changes until his death in 1981. Thereafter, the managing partners continued the long-standing traditions of the firm through growth and expansion into Johnson County, Kansas, Omaha and St. Louis.
E. R. Morrison founded the firm last known as Morrison & Hecker L.L.P. in 1909. When the firm was established, Mr. Morrison had only one associate, no clients and no business. Through perseverance and patience, he built a substantial client base and business grew. Beginning in 1981, the firm began to expand geographically, adding offices in Johnson County and Wichita, Kansas; Washington D.C.; and Phoenix, Arizona. In 1998, the former Hillix, Brewer, Hoffhaus, Whittaker & Wright combined with the firm, expanding the Kansas City office.
The combination of the Stinson and Morrison firms on May 1, 2002, heralded a new beginning for both firms under the new name – Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP – which, as a combination of equals, was decided by a "coin toss" ceremony witnessed by attorneys and staff from each firm. The formation of a community trust to be endowed by the new firm was also announced.