Group 8

PGP 1(B)

He hasn't done everything that he could have done

with his life; he's starting to think he should have done something else, or could have done better. He's made some bad choices and a lot of compromises. He has come to the point in life where his next few decisions will determine everything about him. How we make those choices -- how fear, comfort, inertia and self preservation bend us to the wheel -that's the fuel for the story.

 The protagonist - Michael Clayton - a "fixer" associate in a top-notch New York City law firm. He is street smart and has useful contacts everywhere.

The PLOT

Over the years, has become invaluable at discreetly clearing up the firm's embarrassing messes. But, never considered good enough to be made a partner. A walking reminder of their nasty little secrets He faces failure and shame, with a failed marriage, a stalled career and a huge debt.

 Then comes the trickiest moment of his professional career: covering up the nervous breakdown of the firm's most valuable partner Arthur Edens. Arthur finds out that the firms oldest and best client, u-North, an agri-pharmaceutical company are manufacturing a product which has been poisoning people. Events occur which lead to Arthurs murder. When Michael finds evidence that got Arthur killed, he too becomes a target and narrowly escapes a car bomb. He cooperates with the police, by taping u-Norths CEO, Karen Crowder, while she was offering to buy Michaels silence.

The PLOT

 Michael Clayton
Work Ethical Dilemma: conflicted with his fixer role Primary Ethical Dilemma: choosing between personal friendship (helping Arthur) and firms benefit Personal Ethical Dilemma: a gambler with a huge debt; uses his leverage with brother (a police officer)

Ethical Dilemmas faced by

Arthur Edens
Great Lawyer having misplaced Loyalties

Karen Crowder
Work Ethical Dilemma: suppressing evidence; ordering Arthurs murder, and Michaels attempted murder.

 What should a lawyer do when a client engages in dishonest conduct?

An obvious answer is to withdraw from the representation. After all, a lawyer must not engage in any activity that the lawyer knows or ought to know assists or encourages any dishonesty, crime or fraud.
But immediate withdrawal is not always the right answer. It may be an overly simplistic response that does not satisfy his duties to the client or his own ethical obligations.

Ethical Issues

Thank You