While many laws firms are canceling their corporate retreats amid the COVID-19 outbreak, one is using the opportunity to do all the same team-building exercises—but from home.

Beginning in mid-March the three Connecticut attorneys and their paralegal at the Branford branch of Mazzocca & Associates have been getting to know their 17 colleagues—which includes 12 attorneys–in Westborough, Massachusetts.

All are working from home to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus. But they've formed teams for trivia, "Family Feud," and to create games based on the staff's childhood photographs.

"These games have lifted our morale," said attorney Aigne Goldsby, who has worked out of the Branford office since it opened last fall.

They've fostered a sense of friendship between colleagues in the two states, and boosted spirits during a global pandemic. Managing partner Richard Mazzocca sends daily emails to staff, and allows them to log off early on some Fridays, Goldsby said.

"The nature of my job is talking to adjusters and not other attorneys," said Goldsby, who handles insurance claims for MAPFRE Insurance Co. "I never realized what funny and awesome colleagues I had."

The teams play online, often sending trivia questions, setting a deadline for responses, and allowing players to consult each other—but no other sources or material.

In one game, staff submitted baby and high school photographs, and their colleagues had to guess who was who.

The activities are fun, but they have a deeper meaning.

"I found this to be a really positive way for me to feel like I am still part of the team," Goldsby said. "We are in this together, and everything will be OK."

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