Michael A. Fischler, with Fischler & Friedman in Fort Lauderdale. Courtesy photo

Voluntary bar groups briefly went dark when the coronavirus restrictions were ordered, but South Florida associations quickly shifted to remote mode with a creative spin.

The results range from haircut tutorials and wok cooking to a remote discussion with civil rights attorneys and prosecutors before George Floyd's death.

Bar associations also combined with others on joint virtual projects since geography and room size were erased as limiting factors. The outreach has extended to judges, a mediation firm and law schools.

The Dade County and Broward County bar associations joined with groups as distant as Pensacola on programs that drew 500 attendees, a number normally reached only on large annual events.

Some live programs were replaced to fit the times. The Miami-Dade chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers normally holds a spring brunch, which this year would have honored 38 past presidents. Instead, the leaders were recognized along with front-line workers by the donation of 4,000 masks to Baptist Health South Florida and Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The Palm Beach County Bar Association's annual officer installation dinner has turned into a Drive-In Installation and COVID-19 Food Drive on June 24 in its office parking lot. Members are asked to donate food, cash, grocery store gift cards and handwritten inspirational messages for families receiving the contributions.

Coming off the Cuban American Bar Association's most successful annual fundraising gala in January, the switch to remote activities was abrupt.

"This isn't what I planned, but we adapt and improvise,'' said CABA president Frances De La Guardia, a Holland & Knight litigation partner.

Many coronavirus-era programs are focused on wellness. FAWL and CABA combined on a virtual yoga session for beginners. FAWL also did a mindfullness meditation webinar by Jeena Cho, co-author of "The Anxious Lawyer." At 8 a.m. Wednesdays, FAWL and the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association combine for a remote Peloton workout. Of the Broward bar's 14 webinars in May, four were Tuesday night wellness programs. Attorney and happiness coach Rochelle Gapere gave a presentation to the Gwen Cherry bar.

Other presentations have a lifestyle element, like the Broward Bar's cooking session with "Wok Star" Eleanor Hoh. FAWL sponsored three do-it-yourself haircut tutorials given by a licensed stylist for long, short and curly hair.

The Coral Gables, Dominican, Colombian and Miami Lakes bar associations held a joint virtual happy hour. The Coral Gables bar also has signed up for the New World Symphony's Beer and Brass program June 6 when beer and a souvenir glass will be delivered to attendees before a virtual concert. President Paul John Scanziani also said a chocolate tasting session is planned.

Using the hashtag #cabacares, CABA is addressing the financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic by promoting a rotating list of restaurants and beverage services to drive business to them.

But don't worry, substantive sessions and continuing legal education credits were offered as well on subjects ranging from civil, probate, family, juvenile and criminal court updates to remote depositions, Payroll Protection Plan relief and coronavirus claims and contracts.

The Gwen Cherry association's civil rights program titled "Say Their Names: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor & Next Steps Under the Law" was held May 20 before the police killing of Floyd.

Different associations are offering "Got Civility? Pandemic Edition."

While most virtual programs are free, a mock virtual evidentiary hearing organized by eight legal groups featured judges from six Florida circuits for a $25 fee. Seven bar groups charged $15 for a session on mediation with Broward Circuit Judge Tarlika Navarro.

The goal is "trying to get meaningful contact by partnering with other associations statewide," said Broward bar president Michael Fischler of Fischler & Friedman in Fort Lauderdale.

The Coral Gables bar hosted a Zoom webinar presented by Esquire Deposition Solutions to over 150 people on virtual court reporting and depositions.

Like attorneys who are lobbying to keep virtual calendar calls after courthouse restrictions are lifted, many bar leaders see a place for virtual meetings when face-to-face contact resumes.

"We intend to continue online programs at least in some fashion — when we all return to the office," said K&L Gates attorney Elisa D'Amico, president of the Miami-Dade FAWL chapter.

And she welcomes the display of unity in a crisis. "The truth is that we are better together than on our own," she said.