Margaret A. Hayes
Margaret A. Hayes
Associate
She/Her
"Excellence in client advocacy: that is my goal with every client and every case."
Margaret A. Hayes
Associate
She/Her
"Excellence in client advocacy: that is my goal with every client and every case."
About Margaret
Margaret is a seasoned litigator who handles a wide range of complex cases in state and federal courts. She defends the interests of clients in the financial services industry in jurisdictions across the country in dispute resolution, investigations, compliance, mediations, arbitrations, and trials. Her courtroom experience enables her to confidently and effectively advocate for her clients in any setting, whether arguing before a judge at trial, negotiating a settlement with opposing counsel, or persuading an arbitrator in a hearing.
Within the consumer financial services industry, Margaret regularly defends claims arising under a variety of statutes, including the:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
- Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA)
- Illinois Consumer Fraud Act (ICFA)
Areas of Focus
Services:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR);
- Appellate;
- Complex Commercial Litigation ;
- Consumer & Class Action Defense;
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA);
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA);
- Financial Services Litigation ;
- Financial Services Regulatory & Compliance;
- Litigation & Trial;
- Regulatory & Compliance
Credentials
Education
- University of Notre Dame Law School, JD, cum laude, 2015
- College of the Holy Cross, BA, 2011
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
- US District Court for the Southern District of Wisconsin
Thought Leadership
Presentations
- "Cleaning Up Your Credit," Law at the Library Series (pro bono), Chicago Public Library, Chicago, Illinois, January 24, 2023
Publications
- "Seventh Circuit Affirms Dismissal of FCRA Claim against Equifax, Finding It Is Not Liable for Credit Information in Report Prepared by Third-Party Company," ABA Business Law Today, August 2024
- "Arizona Appellate Court Upholds Arizona ‘Predatory Debt Collection Act’ Savings Clause," ABA Business Law Today, May 2024
In The News
Interests
Margaret has been a group fitness instructor for more than seven years. She also enjoys listening to live music and mastering new recipes.
Thought Leadership
Presentations
- "Cleaning Up Your Credit," Law at the Library Series (pro bono), Chicago Public Library, Chicago, Illinois, January 24, 2023
Publications
- "Seventh Circuit Affirms Dismissal of FCRA Claim against Equifax, Finding It Is Not Liable for Credit Information in Report Prepared by Third-Party Company," ABA Business Law Today, August 2024
- "Arizona Appellate Court Upholds Arizona ‘Predatory Debt Collection Act’ Savings Clause," ABA Business Law Today, May 2024
In The News
Margaret's Insights
In The News
Jun 12, 2025
Hinshaw Attorneys Contribute Six Chapters to the "Attorneys’ Legal Liability" IICLE Handbook
In The News
Jun 12, 2025
Hinshaw Attorneys Contribute Six Chapters to the "Attorneys’ Legal Liability" IICLE Handbook
