Chelsy L. Fox (formerly Van Overmeiren) is a senior associate at Breen & Pugh who has quickly distinguished herself as a formidable advocate in both federal and state courts. In recent years, she has played a central role in high-profile federal matters involving allegations of bribery, public corruption, and extortion, contributing to dismissals and acquittals in complex prosecutions. She is widely regarded as an exceptional legal writer and tactician, particularly in federal sentencing advocacy and sophisticated challenges to the Sentencing Guidelines. Ms. Fox is also known for her ability to integrate technology and compelling visual graphics into trial storytelling, enhancing juror comprehension in complex cases.
In Illinois state courts, Ms. Fox has developed a reputation as a fierce and highly effective advocate in cases involving violent offenses and allegations of sexual assault. She has also achieved notable results in juvenile delinquency matters, where her experience has afforded her the rare and demanding opportunity to confront and cross-examine child witnesses—an area of practice requiring exceptional preparation, sensitivity, and courtroom skill. Her work in these emotionally complex proceedings reflects both her trial acumen and her credibility before judges and juries.
A significant component of Ms. Fox’s practice is the defense of students in Title IX and campus disciplinary proceedings. Drawing on her background as a collegiate athlete, she brings a nuanced and practical understanding of university culture, team dynamics, institutional pressures, and the real-world consequences disciplinary allegations can have on a student’s education, athletic eligibility, and future career. Her experience as a student-athlete gives her particular insight into the high-stakes environment in which many Title IX matters arise, allowing her to advocate for accused students with both empathy and precision while navigating parallel academic, administrative, and criminal proceedings.
Ms. Fox is a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association and an active participant in national criminal defense organizations. She has presented at programs sponsored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves on NACDL’s Women in Criminal Defense and Decarceration Committees, where she has emerged as a respected leader for women in a historically underrepresented segment of the criminal defense bar. She was recently selected by her peers to serve on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, reflecting her growing influence and leadership within the criminal defense community.
Ms. Fox is a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, widely regarded as the most prestigious training program for criminal defense lawyers in the United States. She is also deeply committed to legal education and mentorship, having served as a coach and faculty member for the trial team and trial advocacy program at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Ms. Fox was born and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs and attended Iowa State University, where she graduated cum laude with a double major in political science and international studies. As an undergraduate, she placed first at Indiana University’s European Union Competition and studied abroad at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales, where she also competed as a member of the university’s women’s football (soccer) team.
Her interest in criminal law developed early through an internship at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she worked in the Child Advocacy Center and gained firsthand exposure to sensitive investigations involving allegations of child sexual abuse. Following college, she worked for a global legal risk and consulting firm, developing expertise in leading eDiscovery platforms and preparing litigation and investigative reports in complex matters.
Ms. Fox entered Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2016. During law school, she clerked for an Illinois Circuit Court judge, earned a CALI Award of Excellence in Conflict of Laws, and competed nationally as a member of Chicago-Kent’s highly regarded national trial team. She joined Breen & Pugh during her second year of law school as a law clerk, supporting discovery management and trial preparation in serious criminal cases. After graduation, she joined the firm as an associate attorney and has since built a substantial record of courtroom experience in complex federal and state jury trials, bench trials, juvenile proceedings, contested motion hearings, and Title IX-related matters.
Ms. Fox brings to her practice a rare combination of intellectual rigor, strategic creativity, and courtroom presence, making her an invaluable advocate for the firm’s clients and a rising leader in the criminal defense bar.