Patricia Zell

Patricia Zell (Navajo/Arapaho) is a partner in Zell and Cox Law, P.C., a law firm that specializes in laws affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. She joined the staff of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs in 1978 as a professional staff member, becoming Chief Counsel to the Committee in 1986 and Staff Director in 1990. During her tenure, she worked on major legislative initiatives developed by the Committee in conjunction with tribal leaders, including the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, the Indian Education Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. She retired from public service in March 2005.

For nearly 30 years, she also served as Editor of the Indian Law Reporter. She has been recognized by numerous organizations for her career-long dedication to Native nations and issues, including receiving the 1992 Distinguished Service Award from the American Indian Resources Institute. She obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University in 1981.