Legal Leader Blaire McClanahan Earns Prestigious '40 Under 40' Honor

GREENSBORO, NC – December 17, 2025 – Attorney Blaire McClanahan, a partner at The Law Offices of Cheryl David, has been named to the Triad Business Journal's 2026 "40 Under 40" list, a prestigious annual award celebrating the region's most influential young professionals. The selection recognizes McClanahan's significant contributions to the legal field, particularly in the specialized areas of estate planning and elder law, and highlights her deep commitment to community service.

The "40 Under 40" award is a benchmark of success for emerging leaders in the Triad. Each year, the publication selects 40 individuals under the age of 40 from a highly competitive pool of nominees across diverse industries, including law, healthcare, technology, and finance. Honorees are chosen based on a rigorous evaluation of their professional excellence, leadership qualities, career achievements, and meaningful community involvement.

A Profile in Achievement

McClanahan's inclusion in the 2026 cohort is the culmination of a career marked by consistent dedication and numerous accolades. A 2014 graduate of Elon University School of Law, she has rapidly established herself as a leading voice in some of the most complex and personal areas of law. Her practice focuses on helping families navigate trusts, elder law, nursing home protection, asset preservation, and estate administration.

Her expertise is not only demonstrated in her client work but also through her contributions to the legal community and academia. She is the co-author of the North Carolina edition of "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs," a critical guide for families facing long-term care decisions. Between 2019 and 2021, McClanahan also shared her knowledge with the next generation of professionals, teaching an Elder Law course to graduate students at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro (UNCG).

This "40 Under 40" honor joins a long list of distinctions. McClanahan has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by North Carolina Super Lawyers for six consecutive years (2020-2025) and was honored with the prestigious 2025 ABA Young Lawyers Division On the Rise Award. Business North Carolina also named her to its Legal Elite list in both 2024 and 2025. Her professional qualifications are further underscored by her status as a Certified Medicaid Planner™ and her appointment as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an elite honor reserved for a small percentage of attorneys.

In 2025, her leadership was recognized on a national level when she was appointed to the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Board of Governors, a testament to her standing in the field.

The Critical Role of Estate and Elder Law

McClanahan's recognition shines a spotlight on the increasing importance of estate and elder law for the Triad community. As demographics shift, more families are facing the legal and financial complexities of long-term care, asset protection, and legacy planning. Professionals like McClanahan provide essential guidance during what are often emotionally challenging times, ensuring that individuals and their families can plan for the future with confidence and security.

The Law Offices of Cheryl David, where McClanahan practices alongside her mother and firm founder, Cheryl David, has built a strong reputation for its compassionate and personalized approach. The firm holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized by Expertise.com and Super Lawyers for its high-quality service. This foundation of trust and expertise is critical in a field that deals with sensitive family matters.

In accepting the honor, McClanahan emphasized the collaborative and client-focused nature of her work. "I am truly honored to be recognized by the Triad Business Journal among such an accomplished group of professionals," she stated. "This recognition belongs to the incredible team at The Law Offices of Cheryl David, whose dedication and support make this work possible, and to the clients who place their trust in us. Serving families across the Triad through estate planning, estate administration, and elder law is deeply meaningful to me."

Fostering the Next Generation of Triad Leaders

The Triad Business Journal's "40 Under 40" program is more than an awards ceremony; it is a key component of a broader regional effort to cultivate and retain top talent. By identifying and celebrating young leaders, the program helps build a robust professional network that strengthens the entire community. This initiative aligns with the work of organizations like the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce's synerG Young Professionals and Action Greensboro, which are dedicated to making the Triad an attractive hub for the next generation of leaders.

McClanahan herself embodies the spirit of community involvement that the award seeks to recognize. Her service record is extensive, including leadership roles within the Guilford Merchant's Association, where she served as Young Professional's Chair, Vice President, and President. She has also contributed her time and expertise to the Piedmont Triad Women Attorneys, a local school board, and a cemetery board in Danville, VA. Her passion for service extends to personal causes, including rescuing dogs and participating in international young professionals' educational events.

This blend of professional accomplishment and civic duty illustrates the powerful impact that young leaders can have on their communities. McClanahan's selection not only honors her individual journey but also validates the region's collective focus on nurturing talent and encouraging active, engaged citizenship.

The Triad Business Journal will formally celebrate the 2026 "40 Under 40" honorees at a ceremony on February 19, 2026, at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. A special print section featuring all the honorees is scheduled to be published on February 27, 2026, further amplifying the achievements of these influential young professionals.