SLO Life a Hole in One for Attorney

You could say San Luis Obispo estate planning and probate attorney Douglas Buchanan blazed his career path with a lawnmower. The unusual story begins when the former Navy JAG (Judge Advocate General Corps) attorney moved to an associate position in a private practice. He soon found the demands of being a Southern California civil litigator didn't fit the lifestyle he and his wife Deirdre envisioned for themselves and their young son Connor.

In an earlier visit to Deirdre's native Scotland, a family friend at the St. Andrews Links golf course had told Doug, "Let me know if you ever want a job!" So Doug placed the call. The Buchanans packed their bags and headed to Scotland. While Deirdre's family celebrated the opportunity to share time with their daughter and her family, Doug worked as a groundskeeper at St. Andrews. It was a time for him to reflect on his future and for the family to grow closer and larger, with the addition of baby Josie. Doug's time enjoying his family and working on the greens made him realize that any career should enhance a family's quality of life, not overshadow it as his previous career had.

Rejuvenated by a year and a half in Scotland, the Buchanan family returned to the United States. Doug also had two older children who were still in the U.S., and he wanted to be closer to them. Unable to shake the golf bug, the Buchanans settled in Pinehurst, North Carolina, famous for its links. A series of serendipitous events led to buying an established law practice, where Doug focused on probate and estate law and real estate loan closings for two years. But California, where Doug and Deirdre had met, was beckoning.

In August of 1997, the Buchanans landed in San Luis Obispo, thanks to a tip from Deirdre's Scottish uncle in Solvang. By October, Doug had established his law practice focusing on estate law, probate, wills and trusts, trust administration, elder law, and corporate law.

"We have really found a home here," says Deirdre. "We have met so many wonderful people." The family has truly embraced the SLO life. Doug and Deirdre work together at their law practice. Doug is active in Rotary. He is involved with the SLO County Bar Association and sits as President of the Estate Planning Council. He is a member of the Senior Advisors Network and meets regularly with other planning professionals to discuss how they can enhance and integrate the services they provide to the San Luis Obispo community.

Far from the high-pressure life he once lived as a litigator, Doug's practice allows him to do what he's always wanted. "I can slow down and take my time with clients. I want to provide good information and give them clarity and peace of mind. This is where I should be and what I should be doing."

Doug still golfs, spending one day a week with friends on the course. Deirdre and her friends golf on Tuesdays, always making sure to leave time to chat over lunch. Connor and Josie are now sixteen and twelve, respectively. The family loves to ski together, and can be found working out together at least twice a week at Kennedy Club Fitness. They explore beaches, have bonfires and barbeques with friends, and play tennis. Their Arroyo Grande home on two acres allows them to observe wildlife in their own backyard. Doug's two older children are creating their own futures. Twenty-five year old Sophia works in San Diego as a recruiter for traveling nurses and will be married soon. Blake, twenty-three, has recently returned from Iraq as a member of the Air Force.

And about that time spent behind a lawnmower? "It was just what I needed," says Doug, tossing a smile to Deirdre. "We've landed in the right place. We could not have planned it better."