T'wit--if I had a magic wand, I would wave it and direct Pat to this thread, everysingle day, when she returns home, for the information, support, new ways of looking at old material and friendship. That,in fact, is going to be a part of my prayer.
This is as important a task as anything, imho, accomplished in our years on FR. The implications are tremendous!
Maybe she's all they can afford, and maybe she is representing them pro bono, but I think they need a more powerful lawyer and spokesperson on their team. There are still many things that could be done on the family's behalf given the resourses and professional expertise. There is too much here for one lone female lawyer who appears to not be in the best of health.