Hinshaw Expands Consumer Financial Services Practice with Two Partners and a Senior Counsel

Hinshaw & Culbertson today announced that three attorneys have joined the firm’s Consumer Financial Services team. Stephen T. Masley joins as a partner in Dallas, Margaret J. "Peggy" Cascino, joins as a partner in New Jersey, and Ralph W. Confreda Jr. joins as senior counsel in Ft. Lauderdale.

Previously with McGlinchey Stafford, the team is the latest addition in connection with Hinshaw’s strategic expansion of its Consumer Financial Services group. The firm opened its Dallas office in February, along with the hire of seven financial services attorneys.

"This team brings strong client relationships and extensive experience to our financial services group," said Brian McGrath, co-chair of the firm’s Consumer Financial Services practice group. "Financial services companies are facing greater legal risks and challenges with the recent increase in scrutiny from both the state and federal regulatory agencies. The group adds significant depth to our capabilities and the opportunity to continue growing the practice in three of our key markets."

Masley represents mortgage servicers, credit card issuers, and auto lenders in litigation matters in state and federal courts across the country. He has significant experience with bankruptcy in multiple jurisdictions and has defended leading multinational financial services companies against claims related to various federal laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

Hinshaw's nationwide geographic footprint, firm culture, and commitment to expanding the financial services practice were key reasons the group decided to join the firm.

"I've known and worked with Brian McGrath and Charles Townsend, partner-in-charge in Dallas, for years and am excited to have this opportunity to work closely with them," Masley said. "Joining Hinshaw provides us with the potential to grow our practices, continue to provide top-quality service to our existing clients, and work with a team of great attorneys."

Masley received his B.B.A. in corporate finance from Mississippi State University and his J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law.

A seasoned litigator, Cascino has 20 years of experience representing financial services companies in state and federal courts on a wide array of litigation matters, including foreclosures, property disputes, loan origination and servicing, bankruptcies, and real estate transactions. She also defends clients against claims related to various federal regulations, including FCRA, FDCPA, RESPA, Truth in Lending Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Cascino received a B.S. in policy studies, cum laude, and a B.A., cum laude, in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and a J.D. from American University College of Law.

Confreda is an experienced trial lawyer and represents financial services companies and real estate clients in complex commercial litigation matters, class actions, foreclosures, and real estate and title issues. He defends companies on a wide range of state and federal laws, including FCRA, FDCPA, RESPA, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act. He also advises clients on residential and commercial real estate transactions.

Confreda received his B.B.A. from the University of Miami and J.D. from Florida International University College of Law. While in law school, he served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Stacy D. Glick and the Hon. Robert N. Scola Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.