Assume you are managing partner of a law firm. Business has been slow, and you are charged with making a decision regarding which associate should be laid off. There are two contenders as follows: Sam Handworker- Sam is divorced and has three children. He came to the firm immediately after law school and has been with the firm for two years. You know that money has been tight. Also, you know that Sam's ex-wife tends to call the office harassing him and causing embarrassing moments for the staff. On the other hand, Sam comes in early and works late when needed. He has billed less than some other associates, but he is very intelligent and shows promise. Furthermore, as a single parent yourself, you like Sam and would like to see him succeed. His performance was average in law school, but you think his failure to excel there was due to personal problems he was having. Sally Gifted- Everyone would agree that Sally has been gifted both personally and professionally. She also came to the firm immediately upon graduation from law school and has been with the firm for approximately two years. She is single with no children, has no personal problems of which you are aware, and has billed 10% more than Sam. Personally, you do not particularly like her because you think she is insensitive to the needs of others. You have to admit, however, that she is intelligent. Also, she did very well in law school and was courted by a number of firms. Using the ethical toolkit discussed in the text, decide who you would lay off and discuss the ethical issues involved. Milton Friedman and free-market economics, deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, ethic of care. Should the billing record be given primary consideration? Should your personal likes and dislikes play a part in the decision? Who are the stakeholders? Should Sam's children be considered? What is a fair result?

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In this scenario I would lay off Sally Gifted The main reason for this is that she is single with no ... View the full answer