Case Scenario:
Since 1990 Laura Martinez had been employed full-time as housekeeper for Zach Taylor’s huge house in Bel-Air. On 1 April 1996 Taylor said to Martinez during a conversation: “You don’t need to worry about unemployment – I promise that I will employ you to work for me for the rest of your life or until you decide that you would like to retire. Your salary will always be at least $5 per hour above the minimum wage”. No written memorandum of this agreement was ever prepared. On 2 January 2000 Taylor said to Martinez “I’m in real financial trouble – I intend to sell the house and move into a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I won’t need a housekeeper any more. Your last day on the job will be 1 April 2000”. Martinez, claiming that she had a contract providing for lifetime employment, filed suit for breach of contract. Will Martinez’s suit against Taylor be successful? Explain.