I don't know anything about lawyering, but it appears to me that a good lawyer makes the best of what he or she is provided. The more I hear you speak of this particular case, the grungier it sounds. I don't think you should be ashamed of this. I don't think you should beat yourself up over this. You're working with what you've been given. There are plenty of attorneys out there who are neither competent or caring, but I'm certain you're not one of those.

Chin up, guy.

-tc