2026 40 Under 40: Elizabeth Fax

Elizabeth Fax has special responsibility in her work serving Greene County.

“Elizabeth selflessly and quietly serves our community every day seeking justice in one of criminal law’s most challenging practice areas – prosecuting sex offenses and child abuse cases,” says Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson.

Fax says that in her line of work as first assistant prosecutor in the special victims unit, she sees the worst of the community – and its best, working with others who strive to make Springfield safer, such as children’s division investigators and law enforcement.

“I work hard every day to ensure victims’ voices are heard,” Fax says, ensuring every interaction with victims reflects that principle.

Fax, 36, considers her greatest contribution to the legal profession to be mentorship for younger attorneys. She counts her policy work on protecting children as her greatest community contribution, while serving on boards for the Child Advocacy Center and the Junior League of Springfield.