Identify three potential solutions to the ethical dilemma regarding the case listed below. For each possible solution, consider the potential impacts and outcomes. Who are the key stakeholders (such as employees, customers/clients, the local community, or the environment)? Each potential solution should be viewed through, and explained from, the point of view of the ethical theory you have determined is best suited to your case. For example, if you chose utilitarianism, your focus will be on end results. On the other hand, if you chose deontology, you would judge your solution based on how well it conforms to universally held principles. Explain which possible solution is the best based on your ethical beliefs.

Case:

Topic: Consumer and Client Values

The reason why I am choosing this topic is because of my guilty pleasure, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I have been obsessed with this show since the beginning. When I discovered the heinous acts of Tom Girardi, I was completely mortified. In the legal world, Tom Girardi was legendary. His most well-known work was when he worked alongside Ed Masry in an environmental contamination case that inspired the film "Erin Brockovich". He is also well known in representing the victims of the families in the 2018 Lion Air crash that killed 189 passengers. Tom Girardi is being accused of mishandling millions of dollars of client funds. His actions were unethical and those actions have consequences.

This topic challenges the professionalism of lawyers. Every client should be able to trust that their funds are secure with their lawyer. Tom Girardi failed to do so. As a lawyer, a fiduciary duty is owed to all clients, and Girardi violated that trust to obtain his luxurious lifestyle. Even though Girardi had numerous complaints filed against him, by the California State Bar, he was still considered to have a perfect record. His celebrity status allowed him to market himself as one of the best lawyers in the nation which led to more clients for him to later cheat and steal from.