Problem:
Johnson & Wilson (J&W) is an Everett, Washington law firm. Management wanted to upgrade the firm's computer and billing systems, so J&W contracted with IT Legal Consulting to perform the upgrade. IT Legal submitted a proposal to J&W; however, the law firm did not prepare a written contract. Nevertheless, the parties agreed that the work will cost $15,000. Thereafter, IT Legal installed the computer and billing systems that J&W selected, even though IT Legal believed that these systems were not best suited for J&W's unique needs. J&W initially paid IT Legal $10,000 (two-thirds) for its services. When the law firm's computer and billing systems kept crashing, however, J&W refused to pay IT Legal the remainder of the money owed, citing its dissatisfaction with IT Legal's contract performance. The following week, J&W hired another technology consultant who recommended that all of J&W's computers be replaced, because installing any new systems in the antiquated computers would be like "riding a moped when you needed a motorcycle." IT Legal believes that it did exactly what J&W asked for, and that they fully performed under their contract. Thus, IT Legal has demanded the $5,000 remainder that was owed to them.
Does IT Legal have a strong action for breach of contract against J&W?
What is J&W's legal defense?
Explain your answer and discuss all issues as they relate to your notes on performance.