Hinshaw Adds Four-Member Consumer Financial Services Team in DC and Florida

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is delighted to announce that a group of four attorneys has joined the firm’s leading national Consumer Financial Services group. Previously with McGlinchey Stafford, Megan S. Ben’Ary joins the firm’s Washington, DC office as a partner. Also joining Megan in DC are partner Alexander R. Green and senior counsel Alyssa L. Szymczyk. Partner Joseph “Joe” Apatov, also from McGlinchey, joins the firm in Fort Lauderdale.

The group is highly skilled at defending consumer financial services companies in federal and state courts, with a focus on high-stakes litigation and class action matters involving state and federal consumer protection laws. The move also deepens the firm’s commitment to serving client needs in DC and throughout Virginia and Maryland.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Megan, Joe, Alyssa, and Alex have joined our team,” said Brian McGrath, co-chair of Hinshaw’s Consumer Financial Services group. “They are all excellent litigators, and I have great regard for their legal capabilities inside and outside the courtroom, along with their track records of successfully defending clients in high-stakes matters. Their addition reflects Hinshaw’s commitment to the continued strategic growth of our practice in the nation’s capital and nationwide.”

Megan is widely recognized for her capabilities as a litigator and strategic problem solver, seeking to achieve legal and business results for financial services clients navigating within a complex regulatory framework. She advises clients facing individual and class action litigation as well as claims in arbitration, regularly defending matters involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes (UDAP), and state and federal privacy laws.

Alex focuses his practice on representing banks, loan servicers, automobile lenders, and other financial institutions against alleged violations of one or more of the myriad of laws and regulations governing the financial services industry. He advocates for clients before federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In particular, he’s adept at navigating the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, commonly referred to as the “Rocket Docket” for its devotion to expedience.

Alyssa represents banks, mortgage lenders, loan servicers, and other financial institutions in litigation across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She handles matters in state and federal courts as well as arbitrations involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), state consumer protection laws, and related statutes. Known for her thoughtful, research‑driven approach, Alyssa helps clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes to achieve their goals.

Joe is known for his strategic approach to litigation and his ability to develop novel arguments to solve complex legal issues. He has extensive experience leading class action defense teams and handling individual litigation nationwide, particularly those involving consumer protection and privacy statutes. Joe regularly represents financial services clients, including fintechs, automobile finance companies, and mortgage lenders, in a wide array of consumer claims, particularly those brought under the FCRA and FDCPA.

The group decided to join Hinshaw because of the firm’s robust and growing Consumer Financial Services Practice, client synergies, access to a national platform, and the opportunity to reconnect with highly regarded former colleagues.

“Hinshaw has a dynamic and collegial culture, with a focus on delivering best-in-class client service in the financial services industry and beyond,” Megan said. “This move is a perfect fit for our practice. I’m very excited to join the growing team here in DC, and to partner with colleagues across the firm to support our clients who are facing increasingly complex litigation risks.”

Joe noted that Hinshaw’s recent expansion, with multiple new offices in key markets, provides him with a broad national platform for his current clients. “The firm provides a one-stop shop for my clients’ legal needs, and creates significant new opportunities to continue growing my practice,” he said. “The Consumer Financial Services practice is widely regarded throughout the industry for its collaborative and creative approach to solving clients’ legal needs.”

The move follows a series of strategic additions to the firm’s financial services practice in recent months. In September, partners Leslie Meredith and Joseph Sanders joined the firm’s offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, respectively. In August, veteran debtor-creditor practitioner Logan Rappaport joined the firm in New York. In June, Peter Cubita, the former Senior Legal Director at Goldman Sachs Bank USA, joined Hinshaw, also in New York.

Megan received a BA in English from Villanova University and a JD from Villanova University School of Law.

Alex received a BA in Psychology and Classics from the University of Notre Dame and a JD from George Washington University Law School.

Joe received a BA in Philosophy from the Pennsylvania State University and a JD from Duke University School of Law.

Alyssa received a BS in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and a JD from Florida A&M University College of Law.

Media Coverage

• • Bloomberg Law: "Wake Up Call: London-Based Class Action Firm Warns It Could Fold" (January 7, 2026)
  • Bloomberg Law: "Hinshaw Adds McGlinchey Consumer Finance Team in DC, Florida" (January 6, 2026)