Chyten

In this action for breach of an employment contract, a jury awarded a verdict of $81,401.70 for the employee, plaintiff and respondent Kenneth Evan Chyten, against defendants and appellants Lawrence & Howell Investments, a partnership, and its partners Arthur G. Lawrence and Lorraine Howell. Appellants appeal from the judgment entered on the verdict following denial of their motion for new trial.

Facts

For many years appellants have operated a real estate investment business. Appellants placed an ad in the Los Angeles Daily Journal for an attorney with real estate and litigation experience to act as in-house counsel. Respondent Chyten, an attorney, replied to the ad. Appellants were impressed with respondent’s background and after two interviews made him an offer. Because he would have to move from San Francisco and because he had heard appellants were sometimes difficult people for whom to work, respondent was concerned about job security and suggested a written long-term contract. Appellant Lawrence suggested that respondent draft something and bring it to an additional interview, which he did.

At that meeting the parties negotiated terms and reached agreement. The.…