Ogletree Deakins Strengthens Employment Litigation Capabilities in Columbia, Adds Michael Henthorne as Shareholder

COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 22, 2016 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that veteran employment litigator, Michael Henthorne, has joined the firm’s Columbia office as a shareholder. Henthorne focuses the majority of his practice on representing and defending employers in all phases of employment litigation in federal and state courts and various regulatory and administrative tribunals.  Henthorne joins Ogletree Deakins from Littler Mendelson P.C., where he practiced for the last 10 years of his career and is the last remaining shareholder based in that firm’s Columbia office. Henthorne’s extensive experience litigating employment claims in state and federal courts will strengthen the firm’s employment litigation capabilities in South Carolina and across the region.

Henthorne has represented management in all areas of employment and labor law for more than 20 years. He regularly litigates matters related to Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), wage and hour disputes, employment contracts, employment torts, and trade secrets and unfair competition matters. Henthorne represents employers in a variety of industries including major domestic and international corporations, manufacturers, healthcare providers, retailers, and local government entities.

“Michael is well known in the legal and employer communities for his track record of achieving favorable results for his clients that are aligned with their business objectives,” said Kathy Dudley Helms, office managing shareholder. “Michael is an excellent employment litigator, counselor, and strategist with a proven ability to successfully resolve complex legal issues. He embodies the qualities found in our Client Pledge, and we are excited to add such a skillful litigator to our Columbia-based team.”

Henthorne is an experienced speaker and regularly presents on labor and employment law topics at seminars, corporate training events, and for professional organizations. He is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a specialist in employment and labor law and has received national recognition, including being listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and South Carolina Super Lawyers. Henthorne earned his J.D. from University of South Carolina School of Law and earlier received a B.S. from Furman University.

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for five consecutive years. In 2016, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Employment Law – Management category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 750 attorneys located in 49 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies.