The reason that Nathaniel's case might help Nina in the long run, even though she doesn't realize it now, is because it will make her more empathetic to her clients. As all parents would, Nina freaks out and begs to try Nathaniel's case herself and have her partners run through the whole population of Maine to find the criminal. She thinks, "...now I'm the parent, and it is my child, and that changes everything" (60). This shows that she will go to no limit to help her son, yet admitting that she doesn't always do that with her other cases. But later, when Nina reflects, she might realize how the other parents must feel because she knows what it's like to be in their shoes now. This information might push her to empathize with them and try her best to close the case in their favor.
Nathaniel's sexual abuse could also drive Nina mad. She wants to help him and bring the molester to justice, not only as the assistant district attorney but as the parent. But Nina knows that she can't try her own son's case, and that will make her feel helpless because she is used to being the one in charge. When she asked her boss if she could, he gently reminded her that she can't, even though she already knew it. Her boss explains that he looked into another lawyer that is "almost as good as [she is]" (59). Nina's boss was kind and went out on a limb for her, but his words aren't very encouraging, even if it is partially a joke. Nina's a great lawyer, but so many of her cases fail because the opponent proves the young, scared child on the podium incompetent. Nina will have to put her own son's safety in someone else's hands that aren't even as good as hers.
Therefore, this life-altering event that has happened to Nina can impact in both positive and negative ways. It may make her feel helpless now, but her ability to empathize with grief-stricken parents will last a lifetime.
* no spoilers please! *
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