{Public} As this column is being written, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 14 months. Its impact on the legal profession has been profound.

First, most lawyers — with extraordinary help from IT professionals — have learned to work remotely (meaning primarily from home). Shockingly, because of technology, many lawyers have found working remotely to be just as productive as working in a law office. Still, stories abound about lawyers “working from home” in vacation properties. One administrative assistant confided in me that her “cube” was now a table outside near her family swimming pool.

Feel Well (emotional well-being)—Valuing emotions. Developing an ability to identify and manage emotions for health, to achieve goals, and to inform decisions. Seeking help for mental health when needed.

Today's theme is CONNECT: social well-being which is building connection, belonging, and a reliable support network; contributing to our groups and communities.

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) officially kicked off its 2021-22 bar year on Fri., April 30 with a hybrid ceremony. Some members of BAMSL's 2021-22 Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Executive Committee were sworn in at the BAMSL Bar Center in downtown St. Louis while others took the oath virtually via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. on April 30.

5/5 theme: Engage & Grow (intellectual/career well-being) seeking personal satisfaction, continuous learning and growth in our professional and personal lives, and financial stability. Engaging in creative or intellectually challenging activities that foster ongoing development and monitoring cognitive wellness.

Every day this week (except for yesterday, because I forgot) I will be sending an email with a daily well-being theme and some prompts for do this, read this, and watch this.

{Public} The Institute for Well-Being in Law defines intellectual well-being as the charge to "engage in continuous learning. Pursue creative or intellectually challenging activities that foster ongoing development. Monitor cognitive wellness."

{Members Only} Robert (Bob) Tomaso is all about fun and laughter. He has said that if it can elicit a laugh or two, thereby making people remember something as a result, he is more than willing to do something quirky.

{Members Only} It is unbelievable that the legal profession remains one of the least diverse of any profession.

{Members Only} It is important to note that while a party may request the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), the court has a duty to appoint one in cases involving abuse or neglect. The GAL is not for the benefit of either of the parties; it is for the best interest of the child.