Michael Clayton (George Clooney), an attorney with a gambling problem who owes $75,000 to a loan shark. He works for a prestigious law firm as the firm's "fixer" whose job entails using his connections, influence, and his knowledge of legal loopholes for his clients' benefit.In an early scene that establishes Michael's role as such, Michael meets with a wealthy client (Denis O'Hare) who has just committed a hit and run. After Michael finishes his business and leaves, he pulls off to the side of the road after some aimless driving. When he leaves his car to look at some horses, it explodes behind him.Michael's colleague Arthur has been involved in a class action lawsuit against U-North, an agricultural products conglomerate for years. The general counsel of the company obtains Arthur's briefcase and discovers that he had come into possession of a confidential U-North document detailing the company's decision to manufacture a weed killer that it knew to be carcinogenic. Later surveillance reveals that Arthur is building a case against his own client, leading Karen to ask the team to permanently incapacitate him. They assassinate Arthur in a manner designed to resemble suicide.Michael is saddened by the news of Arthur's death, but becomes suspicious upon learning that U-North was planning a settlement just a few days prior. Michael gets access to Arthur's sealed apartment and discovers a receipt from a copy store. What is the ethical dilemma faced by Michael? How did he respond? Do you agree with his response?
Michael Clayton (George Clooney), an attorney with a gambling problem who owes $75,000 to a loan shark. He works for a prestigious law firm as the firm's "fixer" whose job entails using his connections, influence, and his knowledge of legal loopholes for his clients' benefit.In an early scene that establishes Michael's role as such, Michael meets with a wealthy client (Denis O'Hare) who has just committed a hit and run. After Michael finishes his business and leaves, he pulls off to the side of the road after some aimless driving. When he leaves his car to look at some horses, it explodes behind him.Michael's colleague Arthur has been involved in a class action lawsuit against U-North, an agricultural products conglomerate for years. The general counsel of the company obtains Arthur's briefcase and discovers that he had come into possession of a confidential U-North document detailing the company's decision to manufacture a weed killer that it knew to be carcinogenic. Later surveillance reveals that Arthur is building a case against his own client, leading Karen to ask the team to permanently incapacitate him. They assassinate Arthur in a manner designed to resemble suicide.Michael is saddened by the news of Arthur's death, but becomes suspicious upon learning that U-North was planning a settlement just a few days prior. Michael gets access to Arthur's sealed apartment and discovers a receipt from a copy store.
- What is the ethical dilemma faced by Michael?
- How did he respond? Do you agree with his response?
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