Like many other businesses, the practice of law has taken a huge hit with the advent of COVID-19.  People are out of work and in need of money. People without money cannot afford lawyers. And with all the lawyers vying for what little cases are out there, it becomes particularly trying to pay overhead and make a living. All of my constituents that practice criminal defense are singing the same tune. Times are tough. Overhead does not stand still or take a holiday. It was nice to receive a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) check from the government. It was spent exactly as it was intended – for salaries. It was intended so that employees can pay their own bills. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has hung around longer than expected. The number of people being infected and dying increases every day. Until there is a vaccine, that will continue. We will survive this. Although the year 2020 will go down as a “lost year” in terms of prosperity, I have a feeling that 2021 will be known as the “bounce back year” and things will get back to normal. For the sake of this country and my practice, I certainly hope so.