HSB Welcomes Six Associates Across South Carolina
November 18, 2025
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that six attorneys have joined the firm. These attorneys will support key practice areas, including litigation, construction, employment, real estate, public finance and insurance defense.
“We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of associates,” stated Nick Nicholson, HSB’s Managing Director. “Each brings outstanding academic credentials, practical experience and a strong commitment to client service. We look forward to the positive impact they will make across our offices and practice groups.”
Based in the firm’s Charleston office, Elizabeth “Lilly” Worthy works with the insurance defense team. Lilly earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina and her Bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Sewanee: The University of the South.
Dorothy Jane “DJ” Modla is an associate in the Columbia office, practicing with the firm’s commercial real estate and corporate law teams. DJ earned both her Juris Doctor, cum laude, and Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina.
Based in the firm’s Columbia office, Diana Murray practices with the insurance defense group. Before joining Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, she practiced civil litigation at a South Carolina-based firm representing insurers, businesses and state entities in state and federal courts. Diana previously spent nearly a decade as a litigation paralegal, gaining practical insight into case development and trial preparation. Diana earned her Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law and holds degrees from the University of West Florida and Charleston Southern University.
Dennard Small works with the employment law practice group in the firm’s Columbia office. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and his Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. Prior to law school, Dennard worked in operations and business analytics and served in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
John Anderson joins the firm’s Florence office, working with the public finance group. He received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Centre College.
Based in the firm’s Greenville office, Ava Macheledt focuses her practice on construction litigation. Ava earned her Juris Doctor from Baylor University and earned her Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Furman University.
Based in the firm’s Charleston office, Elizabeth “Lilly” Worthy works with the insurance defense team. Lilly earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina and her Bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Sewanee: The University of the South.Dorothy Jane “DJ” Modla is an associate in the Columbia office, practicing with the firm’s commercial real estate and corporate law teams. DJ earned both her Juris Doctor, cum laude, and Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina.Based in the firm’s Columbia office, Diana Murray practices with the insurance defense group. Before joining Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, she practiced civil litigation at a South Carolina-based firm representing insurers, businesses and state entities in state and federal courts. Diana previously spent nearly a decade as a litigation paralegal, gaining practical insight into case development and trial preparation. Diana earned her Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law and holds degrees from the University of West Florida and Charleston Southern University.Dennard Small works with the employment law practice group in the firm’s Columbia office. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and his Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. Prior to law school, Dennard worked in operations and business analytics and served in the South Carolina Army National Guard.John Anderson joins the firm’s Florence office, working with the public finance group. He received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Centre College.Based in the firm’s Greenville office, Ava Macheledt focuses her practice on construction litigation. Ava earned her Juris Doctor from Baylor University and earned her Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Furman University.
