Saxton & Stump adds South Carolina labor and employment shareholder D. Michael Henthorne
July 27, 2026
Saxton & Stump announced that D. Michael Henthorne has joined the firm as a shareholder in its Labor and Employment and Business Litigation and Strategic Solutions groups.
Henthorne joins Saxton & Stump after nearly twenty years of working with two of the world’s largest management-side labor and employment law firms. His arrival deepens the firm’s South Carolina presence and expands its ability to help employers and businesses navigate complex workplace and litigation challenges.
“Michael brings the experience, judgment and practical perspective clients value when workplace and business disputes become complex,” said James W. Saxton, chairman of Saxton & Stump. “His addition reflects our continued investment in South Carolina and our commitment to building a collaborative platform of attorneys who deliver sophisticated counsel and five-star service.”
Certified as a specialist in employment and labor law by the South Carolina Supreme Court, Henthorne advises and represents clients across the full range of federal and state employment claims, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA, and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. His practice also includes wage and hour disputes, employment contracts, non-competition and non-solicitation matters, trade secrets, and unfair competition claims.
A seasoned litigator and trial lawyer, Henthorne represents clients before federal and state courts throughout South Carolina, as well as the EEOC, DOL, OSHA, the NLRB, and state administrative and regulatory agencies. He has also successfully handled appeals before the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the Fourth Circuit.
“Employers are facing increasingly intricate and challenging workplace issues that often require both sound legal judgment and a practical understanding of how businesses operate,” Henthorne said. “Saxton & Stump’s model brings together legal, business, and strategic resources in a way that closely aligns with how I advise and serve our clients. I’m looking forward to helping continue to build that platform here in South Carolina.”
His litigation experience also extends beyond employment matters to business torts, predatory lending, negligence, whistleblower, and other business disputes. His client base spans a wide range of industries, including business, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Henthorne also holds dual certification from the South Carolina Supreme Court as a civil mediator and arbitrator, helping clients pursue negotiated resolutions when appropriate. He also brings substantial experience conducting workplace investigations.
He is a current adjunct faculty member in the University of South Carolina’s Master of Human Resources program at the Darla Moore School of Business and previously taught senior-level employment law classes at Anderson University. He is a frequent speaker to attorneys, human resources professionals, and business organizations, and routinely provides training for clients’ management and employees.
Henthorne has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2013, including as Best Lawyers in America’s Columbia Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” in 2024. He has also been recognized by South Carolina Super Lawyers and Chambers USA and has been named a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer. He earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina and his B.A. from Furman University.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
Saxton & Stump continues to expand its Charleston office, offering a full range of legal and consulting services across South Carolina. The firm is a dynamic, full-service organization of nearly 300 professionals, including more than 150 attorneys and more than 40 paralegals across 11 offices. This expanding platform enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients and includes seven growing affiliated companies that extend its business advisory reach nationwide.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions to complex legal and business challenges with five-star service and results-focused advice, offering a refreshingly different experience for clients, attorneys, and business professionals alike.
