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DEC 2023
Robert Buchanan’s Odyssey: From Self-Discovery to Building a Compassionate Law Firm
Like a lot of kids, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to go to college. As a child raised in Northern California in a fairly progressive town, I wasn’t exactly clear on the “why” of it all. What I did know at that time was that I wanted to travel. So, after high school, my friend and I took off to Europe for eight months, the last four of which I spent living on a small farm in Italy. I trimmed the olive trees, made pasta, and enjoyed spending time with an elderly couple who lived there. I immersed myself in the culture entirely. Eventually, the trip came to an end, and my friend and I returned to California, where I enrolled in community college. I soon realized that I needed more time to discover myself. After only four months at home, I packed my bags and my passport and headed out into the world, this time, to Brazil. Again, I immersed myself entirely into the culture, soaking up all of the incredible experiences and life lessons I was learning. I taught English at a private school while learning Portuguese and enjoyed day-to- day life with the family I had graciously been invited to stay with. I loved my experience there. But, at the same time, I realized that I did want to continue my education. I continued my travels through South America for an additional six months before returning to California and reenrolling in college. This time, I transferred my community college credits to UC Berkeley.
I’ll be frank and say I didn’t know what I wanted to major in (does anyone really know?). And, at the time, I also didn’t know what I wanted to do for work. However, as some of you may know, colleges can pressure you to choose a major by your senior year. So, after reflecting on my travels and passions, I chose a degree in Latin American Studies. During my college tenure, I never really felt truly challenged. Nor did I feel passion for what I was studying. That was disappointing to me and maybe why I didn’t feel strongly attached to my degree. I do know that after college, I felt a desire to seek out that challenge and pursue a career that would help me impact others. The father of one of my closest friends, Nate, was an attorney and would often describe his work to me. When Nate eventually headed off to law school himself, I was able to witness his experience as a law student. I saw this as a tremendous opportunity for me to find the challenge I was looking for in my life. So, I packed up my stuff (again!) and drove to Chicago to attend the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Okay, there were a few steps before that, but you get the point. And boy, did I find the challenge I was looking for! One of the greatest and proudest moments of my life was being able to call my dad to tell him I had passed the bar and was officially licensed to practice law.
Things changed quickly for me as I got to work. One of my first jobs was working for a criminal defense attorney who also dabbled in family law. That experience was profound because it showed me how much of an impact I could make in someone’s life and in their family. I was hooked on helping and knew I could do something great. I ultimately left that firm to start my own. I had always been an independent thinker who wanted to do things a little bit differently. With my own firm, I could handle clients and cases in a way that would combine quality legal work and a client experience that was different from other law firms. After practicing for many years, I continued to evolve as a lawyer and business owner. What I enjoyed more than battling egos in the Continued on Page 3 ...
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Think Outside the Gift Box
Start a New Tradition This Christmas
3 Tips to Avoid Drama and Keep the Peace Navigating the Holidays After Divorce One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is when everyone gathers to open gifts. The Christmas box gives you an opportunity to create a new tradition around gift-giving. Fill a medium- or large-size gift box with smaller items you like to give each year. You can stuff it with Christmas pajamas, mugs, books, movies, and other small gifts you know your family or friends will love. Refill the box with different versions of these items every year. You can also do this with your friends in place of a Secret Santa gift exchange. Set a budget and draw names to determine whom each person will give their box to. Christmas is built on tradition. Many families celebrate the holiday by waking up bright and early to open presents, attending church, having a delicious meal, and closing the day with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Elf,” or another Christmas classic. Some families have been doing this for so long that they’re starting to look for new traditions to throw in the mix to spice up the season a little more. There are plenty of ways to change your holiday traditions without losing the meaning of the season! You could go caroling or try out a white elephant gift exchange with the entire family. If you’re looking for something unique, try one of the following activities this year. THE CHRISTMAS BOX
From there, you go to local garage sales, dollar stores, and thrift shops to fill the box with things the person will like. A REMINDER OF PAST CHRISTMASES Do you buy a real tree every Christmas? Most of us bring our old trees out to the curb when the holiday passes. Before you do so, cut off the very bottom of the tree trunk. Write the date on it and include any extra information you want, such as a child’s or pet’s first Christmas. After a few years, you’ll have a collection of tree trunk rounds that help you reminisce about one of the happiest days of the year and all the memories you made.
The holidays can be the most beautiful time of the year for many, but for families going through a divorce, they can be some of the most stressful. Between coordinating visitation schedules around festive plans and deciding which parent the kids will spend the holidays with, the season can be rife with co-parenting drama. But while this transition may be challenging, there are ways to keep it from spiraling. And, of course, it does take two to co-parent, but you can help prevent unnecessary drama during the holidays by using these co-parenting tips. COMMUNICATE OPENLY AND CLEARLY. This is a busy time of year and texts or calls to the other parent informing them of plans might get missed. So, as you make schedules for the holidays and new year, set aside some time each week to inform the other parent of your plans. Yes, even plans you have that don’t include the kids. While it may feel unnecessary (and annoying), doing so will help you avoid additional disagreements and give the other parent a clear idea of your schedule. This way, they know when you’re
opportunity to spend time with both sides of their family, and if there are disputes between you and their other parent,
be sure to keep them out of it.
Plus, putting your children first takes some of the emotion out of decisions that may need to be made around this time. It’s easier to be agreeable and more flexible with something they want than something that sparks an argument with a co-parent. KEEP IN MIND YOU MAY NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE. Of course, as a parent, you’d love to spend certain days with your children, take them to events, or have a specific amount of time with them. But sometimes, kids get sick, the weather makes travel impossible, or relatives from the other side of the family may come into town at the last minute. Being open to adapting your plans can go a long way for your relationship with your co-parent and children, too.
available and when you’re not. CONSIDER YOUR KIDS FIRST.
The best interests of your children should always be your main priority because, to them, the holidays are an exciting time. Allow them the
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Chicago’s Top Family-Friendly Events
One of the best parts about the holidays is that kids get a break from school and more time with you. So, why not spend some of that time together at one of Chicago’s incredible events this winter? If you’re looking for something to do this month with your kiddo, we highly recommend checking out these three events.
to showcase holiday traditions from different cultures around the globe. The exhibit features a four-story grand tree, more than 50 smaller trees, and beautiful lights. This exhibit is for all ages and is a one-of- a-kind experience your children will never forget. If you’re interested in purchasing tickets or learning more, you can visit MSIChicago.org/explore/whats-here/ exhibits/christmas-around-the-world. ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: ‘THE THREE LITTLE PIGS’ Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Symphony Center Dec. 9–Feb. 10, 2024 “The Three Little Pigs” is a story we’ve all heard before, but few of us have seen it played out on stage by a live orchestra! You and your children can watch as your favorite little piglets learn whether straw, sticks, or bricks can withstand the Big Bad Wolf’s huffing and puffing, along with small ensemble performances, sets, costumes, and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
This performance takes place at the Symphony Center and lasts 45 minutes. You and your kids can grab tickets to watch this story unfold by visiting CSO.org/performances/23-24/cso- for-kids/ouas-three-little-pigs. ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE
MORTON ARBORETUM The Morton Arboretum Until Jan. 6, 2024
Come celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones at the 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights event at The Morton Arboretum! This year, the event has exciting new features and immersive installations that will delight people of all ages. The path is also now fully accessible for guests with limited mobility, so everyone can enjoy the experience. You can also cozy up by a warm fire and make s’mores or grab a snack and drink from one of the concession tents! So, don’t miss out on this exciting event! You can purchase tickets in advance (and save!) by visiting MortonARB.org/ explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination.
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Open until the first week of January Each year, the Museum of Science and Industry decks its halls with over 50 displays
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Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse Add even more cheer to the holidays with this decadent chocolate mousse.
courtroom was engaging with my clients and creating an experience that left them in a better place than where they started. Slowly but surely, a dream formed in my mind: a dream to become the best divorce firm in the country; a dream to win the most cases, sure, but even more than that, to create an experience, a la The Ritz Carlton, if you will. That is the Law Offices of Robert Buchanan that exists today. It’s a place where clients get white-glove treatment, genuine compassion, care, AND exceptional legal work. We make every effort to go the extra mile with everyone we talk to, so much so that we’ve made “above and beyond” our standard. More than anything, my goal is to provide exceptional legal services while being a rock during a very difficult transition
Ingredients • 10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped • 4 tbsp butter
• 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions 1.
In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
for many people so they feel cared for, held, and guided through the process.
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161 N. Clark, Ste. 1700 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 488-1938 rbbfirm.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
The Journey That Led to the Law Offices of Robert Buchanan
2.
Fresh Traditions to Make Your Holiday Sparkle
Your Guide to Drama-Free Holiday Co-Parenting
3.
The Best Kid-Friendly Winter Activities in Chicago
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
4.
The Gravity-Defying Trend That’s Taking Workouts to New Heights
SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH BUNGEE FITNESS
In the fitness world, “bungee fitness” is taking
Despite the different elements, bungee fitness is a low-impact exercise, making it accessible to various fitness levels. The workout engages core strength, as participants need to maintain balance and control while suspended in the air, but it also burns a significant number of calories, helping with weight management. Regular practice enhances flexibility, and the thrill of flying through the air can be a mood booster. Additionally, the resistance provided by the bungee cords tones and sculpts muscles. Safety is paramount in bungee fitness. To ensure a safe experience, it’s vital to practice under the guidance of a certified instructor who operates in a facility using high-quality equipment and adheres to safety protocols. Individuals with underlying health conditions or injuries should consult a healthcare provider before attempting Bungee Fitness. Bungee Fitness is an exciting trend that offers a unique and dynamic approach to staying fit and having fun while doing it. Whether you’re an exercise enthusiast looking to add some exhilaration to your routine or someone wanting to explore a new fitness journey, Bungee Fitness is a trend worth exploring. Strap in and take your fitness routine to new heights with this gravity-defying workout.
center stage, offering an exciting and gravity- defying new way to stay in shape. The workout
capitalizes on the principles of suspension training, with participants securely fastened
to bungee cords, which offer resistance and support for a wide range of
movements. This innovative approach allows for various exercises that engage multiple muscle groups, challenge balance, enhance coordination, and strengthen the core.
A typical Bungee Fitness class includes elements such as:
• • • •
Aerial dance
Cardio intervals
Core and balance training Flexibility and stretching
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