Malcolm Poole is unhappy. He recently won his claim against a corporation for breach of contract, and the court awarded him damages of nearly $400 000. The company paid the damages almost immediately. Today, however, his lawyer, Ellie Little, presented Malcolm with her final bill.

Two years ago, when he hired her, Malcolm explained that since he was broke, he would not be able to pay Ellie very much money if his claim failed. After a long discussion, the parties came to a verbal agreement. Although Ellie would not charge anything if the case was lost, she would be entitled to 75 percent of any money that she won on Malcolm's behalf.

Ellie, therefore, insists that Malcolm must pay $300 000 for her services. He agrees that she did a good job, but he believes that she is demanding far too much money.

Is Ellie entitled to $300 000? If not, is she entitled to anything?