This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Emery (D) met with Stearns (P) to discuss hiring P to run one of D's retail stores. P was a long-term employee of Sears who was earning $99,000 per year, had been with them for 27 years, was 50 years old, and owned a home in Massachusetts, and property in Maine. During their meeting, D gave P an oral contract of employment to age 55 at a guaranteed salary of $85,000 per year. P resigned from Sears, moved to Maine, and retained his position at $85,000 for two years. P was then removed from that position and given a new position at an annual salary of $68,000 per year for six months. P's position was then eliminated. P sued for breach of contract. D moved for summary judgment, and that was denied upon grounds of estoppel under the statute of frauds by P's detrimental reliance. P got the verdict and D appealed.

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