Statute of Frauds Practice Questions

Andrea Thompson graduated from Howard University in June 2021 and was hired by a major marketing firm.On November 30, 2022, she gave notice to the firm that she would be quitting her job at the end of the year to start her own marketing firm.That same day, Thompson made an oral agreement with BBD Management Company to rent office space on the second floor of a small commercial building beginning on January 1, 2023.On November 30, 2022, Thompson also hired Natalia, a fellow Howard University graduate student, as an office administrator for a one-year period starting on January 2, 2023.Because Thompson and Natalia knew each other from their student days at Howard University, the two made their employment arrangements by telephone.

Also on November 30, 2022, Thompson telephoned Vitali, the manager at the Furniture Bazaar, and ordered several pieces of office equipment and office furniture for a total of $10,000, with delivery to be made on January 2, 2023.Because Vitali was the brother-in-law of Thompson's sister, Vitali agreed to waive the Furniture Bazaar mandatory policy that all sales in excess of $200 must be in writing.

On December 12, 2022, Thompson was informed that she was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in marketing.The fellowship, was set to begin in February 2023, and would require Thompson to spend time overseas.Before Thompson accepts the scholarship, she approaches you to advise her whether she can avoid liability on any of the three contracts if she breaches each of them and uses the defense of Statute of Frauds.

As to each contract, separately explain whether the contract is enforceable against Thompson if she pleads the Statute of Frauds as her defense.

(a)Thompson's lease with BBD Management Company

(b)Thompson's employment contract with Natalia

(c)Thompson's sales contract with Furniture Bazaar