Clint Cogburn Recognized as a 2026 Trailblazer by Business North Carolina

Business North Carolina is recognizing attorney Clint Cogburn as a 2026 Trailblazer

This publication awards this prestigious accolade to professionals and business owners under the age of 40, hailing from North Carolina cities and towns with fewer than 100,000 residents. From several dozen nominations, 20 individuals were selected. They include entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, farmers, and those who work in the legal profession, insurance, and retail. Many of this year’s class of Business North Carolina’s Trailblazers still live in their hometowns. Their outstanding achievements are featured in Business North Carolina’s October 2026 issue. Take a moment to meet Clint:

Clint Cogburn

Attorney | Ward and Smith

Asheville

Age 35

The land use and litigation attorney joined Ward & Smith in September 2020. The law firm has about 115 attorneys and 115 paralegals and staff members in offices in Asheville, Raleigh, Greenville, New Bern, Wilmington and Columbia, South Carolina.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Georgia; Vanderbilt School of Law

Favorite restaurant: Luminosa has an elite bar and incredible menu with changing seasonal dishes. I always get the bone marrow tater tots and bread service.

Who plays you in a movie: Vince Vaughn

Reasons for optimism: Asheville and all of western North Carolina have come together to rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene. The resiliency of this area is second to none and it makes me proud to be a native and resident, especially when you see neighbors helping neighbors and strangers helping strangers.

Clint joins a group of Ward and Smith attorneys previously recognized as Business North Carolina Trailblazers, including Lily Faulconer, Peter von Stein, and Joanne Badr.