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A landmark discrimination case, or, why Alan Labonte turned down $3 million.

Article Excerpt
In June 1991, Man Labonte, executive director of Hutchins & Wheeler, the second oldest law firm in Boston, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He had, in just over a year with the firm, proven invaluable, helping to keep morale--and the bottom line--from sinking in the wake of a series of layoffs and firings. The venerable law firm was having transition pains and Labonte understood the need for change. His first year, he received a higher raise than anyone in the firm--plus a $4,000 Christmas bonus, despite his personal protestations that he was still new.

Labonte felt secure enough to disclose his diagnosis right away. Although he received sympathy and offers of help from his superiors, when the time came for accommodations to be made, the sympathy headed south.

"It wouldn't have taken much," Labonte told me one day last fall. "They could have moved my office closer to the elevator. They could have gotten me a little scooter."

Instead, members of the firm's management committee began to avoid Labonte, treating him awkwardly when interaction couldn't be...

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