Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom Webinar
1.00 Ethics Hour Approved in KY - OH - IN
The NKBA Legends & Change Makers Series features interviews of local attorneys who have distinguished themselves in the areas of legal practice and service accomplishments, with the goal of helping to educate and inspire other NKBA members. On July 23, 2025, our interviewee will be J. Eileen Zell.
Eileen Zell received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and graduated with honors from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2004. She is licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky. Her office is located in the East Row Historic District in Newport, Kentucky, and resides in Downtown Cincinnati.
Ms. Zell has developed a unique practice assisting family law attorneys with the drafting of QDROs, as well as providing consultation and support on a variety of property division matters whether in settlement negotiations, mediation, or litigation. Eileen has been qualified as an expert witness by family courts in both Ohio and Kentucky. As a member of both The Academy of Northern Kentucky Collaborative Professionals and the Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals, she also serves as a third-party "QDRO-neutral" in Collaborative Divorce cases.
Somewhat embarrassingly, Eileen admits her hobby is her work. She is an avid researcher and recognized writer in the field. She has authored a topical treatise as part of the nationally acclaimed Bloomberg Tax & Accounting Tax Management Portfolios, 379-1st T.M., QDROs and Similar Assignments of Income/Retirement Assets. She regularly writes and presents topical educational seminars at the request of local and state bar associations, judges, and other professional associations.
As a pet-project, Eileen also maintains the EZ QDRO LAW Blog, which is designed to serve as a reference for Kentucky and Ohio domestic relations attorneys. Her posts cover current QDRO-related events, best practices, recent case law developments and legislative updates related to the division of marital property in both jurisdictions.