Nick deals with the aftermath of Taliek's shooting of James and handles a custody case involving a boy whose mother works at a traveling carnival. Meanwhile, Burton confronts the man whom he and Nick assaulted. Roy Cantwell: Courtney Gains. Shannon Gressler: Amanda Michalka.

Nick represents a coal company, but feels conflicted when he suspects that fumes from underground coal fires are responsible for causing a girl (Tania Raymonde) to be stricken with cancer. Paul Nystrom: Nick Searcy. Sadie: Gina Torres. Phil Hostetler: Henry Gibson.

Alvin crosses too many lines, interfering in Nick's case involving a teen (Scout Taylor-Compton) arrested for solicitation; and trying to prevent Lulu from leaving. Meanwhile, Nick has problems with a merger case. Glen Lightstone: Carmine Giovinazzi. Lulu: Wendy Moniz.

The Fallins represent a white couple suing their fertility clinic because their child was born black; and Nick represents a blind girl (Danielle Panabaker) in a custody case. Meanwhile, Burton hires a nanny (Julie Hagerty) for Shannon. Jim Gray: Michael Tighe. Albert Aaronson: Raymond Baker.

Nick treads lightly as he collects unpaid fees from Fallin & Fallin clients and discovers that Jake has a precarious relationship with one of his LSP clients (Keram Malicki-Sanchez). Meanwhile, Lulu's father (Jude Ciccolella) comes to see her, but she's upset by the visit. Alex Kaller: Taylor Nichols.

Another visit from Lulu's dad (Jude Ciccolella) prompts Lulu and Nick to make a decision regarding their relationship. Meanwhile, Jake's father (Bruce Weitz) announces he wants a divorce, and he asks Jake to handle the legal details. Maureen Straka: Nicole Mercurio. Pete Akins: Judson Mills.

As part of his community service, Nick is told to help in a Hazel Park cleanup project, where he runs into a former client (Chris Pine) who asks Nick to help him turn his life around after some unfortunate events. Meanwhile, Fallin & Fallin hosts an adoption day, and Burton considers adopting Shannon. Laura Donnellon: Tracy Lynn Middendorf. Hal: Erich Anderson.

LSP forms a new partnership with the AIDS Relief Alliance and begins handling some sensitive AIDS-related cases, including a child placement for Nick; and one in which Alvin litigates with Burton. Meanwhile, Lulu surprises Nick with some startling news. Victoria: Lolita Davidovich. Len: Kevin Brief.

Nick represents a teen (Francis Capra) who wants to live with his sick, homeless grandfather (Joseph Campanella), who Lulu represents in a case that has her battling Burton. Meanwhile, Alvin meets a man who claims he knew Alvin's father in high school. Ron Hassey: Steve Eastin. Robert Bridge: Corey Reynolds.

While Burton undergoes heart surgery, Nick is left to handle an important case at Fallin & Fallin, and, with Lulu's help, care for Shannon (Amanda Michalka). Meanwhile, at LSP, Nick and Suzanne represent an unruly teen. Christopher Rapp: Josh Peck. Carol Rapp: Amy Higgins. Penny Hannaway: Donna Bullock.