About Us

Professional Experience

Shawn Hashmi brings extensive expertise to his role as CEO at Express Legal Funding, where he leads high-priority initiatives and oversees all divisions, ensuring seamless operations across the company. With a proven track record in driving organizational growth, optimizing business processes, and enhancing profitability, Shawn has a deep background in the lending and finance sectors, including pre-settlement funding.

Prior to joining Express Legal Funding, Shawn held several leadership positions:

• FlexShopper – Operations Chief of Staff
• 777 Partners – Vice President, Operations (Managed daily operations for Signal Funding, JusticeFunds, and Nimble Funding)
• Knight Capital Funding – Director of Operations
• World Fuel Services – Director, Operations, Commercial Operations Division
• Upper Lake Processing Services, Inc. – Vice President, Operations
• Codero – Director, Operations
• GSI – Manager, Corporate Operations

Education

Shawn holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Organizational and Operations Management, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Business, both from Emporia State University.

Professional Experience

With a diverse background in programming, analysis, design, and consumer finance, Cindy Winston brings a comprehensive skill set to the role of Chief Operations Officer at Express Legal Funding. Known for a results-driven approach, Cindy is instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency and supporting the company’s mission to provide vital financial assistance.

Prior to joining Express Legal Funding, Cindy held various influential roles, including:

• ARCO International Oil and Gas Co. – Systems Programmer/Analyst
• Copy Craft Printers – Graphic Designer

Education

Cindy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in Journalism, summa cum laude, from Southern Methodist University (SMU).

Professional Experience

Melissa Secor brings extensive experience to her role as In-House Counsel and Head of Funding at Express Legal Funding, with a background that encompasses both litigation and transactional law. Her expertise spans family law, internet law, municipal governance, and development contracts, all of which contribute to her role in maintaining legal and operational excellence.

Prior to joining Express Legal Funding, Melissa held several key legal positions:

• Megatel Homes, LLC – Land Development Associate
• Walters Gilbreath PLLC & Hutcherson Law, PLLC – Attorney
• City of Hutto – Assistant City Attorney & Contract Administrator
• Tulane Domestic Violence Law Clinic – Student Attorney
• 425th Judicial District Court, Williamson County – Extern to the Honorable Betsy Lambeth

Education

Melissa holds a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from Tulane University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Government, Ampla Cum Laude, from The University of Texas at Austin. She was admitted to the Texas Bar in 2018 and is a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Publications

United States of America v. Abukar Osman Beyle: These Seas Are My Seas, These Seas Are Your Seas—Determining the High Seas and the Limits of Constitutional Protection, Tulane Journal of International & Comparative Law, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Fall 2015)

Professional Experience

With over a decade of experience in the consumer finance sector, Aaron Winston serves as the Strategy Director and Head of Content at Express Legal Funding. His expertise includes developing strategic initiatives that drive brand growth, optimizing technology, and enhancing client engagement. with expertly written and well-researched guides and blog posts. Aaron’s insights and guidance have proven instrumental in shaping the company’s voice and unparalleled content strategy.

In addition to his role at Express Legal Funding, Aaron has acted as a consultant for a leading financial advisory firm managing over $500 million USD in client assets, where he specialized in enhancing firm technology and brand identity.

His extensive experience and strategic approach make him a valuable leader, helping to position Express Legal Funding as a trusted resource in the pre-settlement funding space.

Aaron Winston is the published Author of A Word For The Wise. Warning For The Stupid.: Canons of Conduct

Professional Experience

Regan Butler is a skilled Legal Assistant with a background in legal case management and pre-settlement funding, bringing precision and dedication to her role at Express Legal Funding. Her experience spans various legal and administrative roles, showcasing her ability to handle complex case management and streamline operations.

Prior to joining Express Legal Funding, Regan held several key positions:

• Devadoss Law Firm – Legal Assistant (Managed cases with the Office of Personnel Management and Workers’ Compensation Programs)
• Pediatrics Plus – Administrative Assistant (Coordinated with medical practices, insurance companies, and families to optimize therapy intake processes)
• Harris County Juvenile Probation – Data Entry Operator / Interventionist
• The University of Houston – Senior Technology Assistant, Language Commons

Education and Certifications

Regan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston and is a Certified Public Notary in Texas.

Regan’s meticulous attention to detail and her diverse experience in legal and administrative roles make her an invaluable asset to the Express Legal Funding team.

Professional Experience

Bella Samson is a dedicated Senior Servicing Coordinator at with extensive experience in business administration, client relations, and funding solutions. At Express Legal Funding, Bella leverages her background in customer service, credit evaluation, and project management to provide exceptional support to clients and ensure seamless operations.

Prior to joining Express Legal Funding, Bella held several key positions:

• Marlin Travel – Travel Consultant organizing trips for individual, family, and business travelers.
• 777 Partners – Funding Specialist verifying credit histories, personal references, and employment backgrounds for each applicant. Provided guidance on loan applications by interviewing applicants, reviewing applications, and verifying information.
• Signal Funding, LLC – Account Manager acting as a liaison between clients and the agency to ensure client needs were met.

Education

Bella Samson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Administration and Management from the Toronto School of Business.

Bella’s background in funding processes and account management makes her an indispensable member of the Express Legal Funding team, driving both client satisfaction and operational excellence.