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)}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 FRANKLIN QUIJANO}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 , \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 -Appell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 ant,}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 v. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 ATKINS-KROLL, INC.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 , \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Defendant-Appell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 ee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 OPINION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9916349\charrsid7558251 Filed:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9916349\charrsid7558251 September 19, 2008 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Cite as: 2008 Guam }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9916349\charrsid7558251 1}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5798800\charrsid7558251 4}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA0}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 7-023}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par Superior Court Case No.: CV144}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 0-05}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid349751 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam \par Argued }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 and Submitted, May 13, 2008}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7558251 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Appearing for }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Plaintiff-Appellant}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Thomas J. Fisher}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 , }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Esq.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Shim}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid7558251 i}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 zu, Canto & Fisher}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 167 E Marine Corps Dr}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 , Ste. 101}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Hag\'e5t\'f1a, G}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 U}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 96910\cell }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Appearing for Defendant-Appell}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 ee}{ \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Elyze J. McDonald}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 , }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 Esq. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Carlsmith Ball LLP \par 134 W Soledad Ave}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 , Ste}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 401}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4788\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4354364\charrsid7558251 B}{\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 E}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 FORE:}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 ROBERT J. TORRES, JR., Chief Justice; F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate Justice; }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 KATH}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 E}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 RINE A. MARAMAN}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 , }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Associate Justice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext90\dfrmtxtx90\dfrmtxty90\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787\charrsid7558251 TORRES, C.J.:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2830787 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 \tab }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264796\charrsid7558251 Plaintiff-Appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11213379\charrsid7558251 Franklin Quijano}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264796\charrsid7558251 appeals from a }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11213379\charrsid7558251 summary judgment dismissing a suit for wrongful discharge against}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3410678\charrsid7558251 Defendant-Appellee}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11213379\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll, Inc}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15219229\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15219229\charrsid7558251 He argues that he and Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9241124\charrsid7558251 , Inc. had}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15219229\charrsid7558251 an implied-in-fact employment contract allowing termination only for cause, and the existence of such a contract involved the determination of disputed material facts not subject to summary judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 Because there is insufficient evidence in the record to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 allow a reasonable jury to find }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12548462\charrsid7558251 an implied-in-fact contract to terminate only for cause, we affirm the lower court\rquote s grant of summary judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 I}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 .}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid7558251 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5449171\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9183596\charrsid7558251 Plaintiff-Appellant Franklin Quijano was an employee of Defendant-Appellant Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9241124\charrsid7558251 , Inc. (\'93Atkins-Kroll\'94)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9183596\charrsid7558251 for more than twen}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13455363\charrsid7558251 ty-four years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154162\charrsid7558251 After an incident involving a fellow employee,}{\cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8355299\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Apparently, Quijano contacted the wife of a fellow employee to report an affair that the employee was allegedly having with a customer. The employee subsequently missed work allegedly due to the pain and suffering the incident caused. The issue of whether good cause existed for termination was never reached by the court below because it effectively determined that Q}{\fs24\insrsid6624890\charrsid13789676 uijano was an at-will employee.}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154162\charrsid7558251 Quijano was terminated for misconduct on November 2, 2004.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154162\charrsid7558251 In response, Quijano filed a complaint against Atkins-Kroll alleging breach of contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and negligent discharge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745992\charrsid7558251 On November 30, 2007 the Superior Court granted summary judgment to Atkins-Kroll on all claims.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745992\charrsid7558251 The court reasoned that: 1) all of Quijano\rquote s claims depended on the existence of an implied employment contract;}{\cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1776466\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Quijano does not object to the lower court\rquote s finding that all his claims depend upon the existence of an implied employment contract. In fact, the relevant case law supports the notion that a \'93 covenant of good faith and fair dealing . . . cannot impose substantive duties or limits on the contracting parties beyond those incorporated in the specific terms of their agreement.\'94 }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Guz v. Bechtel Na}{ \i\fs24\insrsid16718699\charrsid13789676 t\rquote l}{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Inc.}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 8 P.3d 1089, 1110 (}{\fs24\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 Cal. }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 2000). Similarly, negligent discharge would not be an actionable claim absent an employment agreement. }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 See Huegerich v. IBP, Inc.}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 547 N.W.2d 216, 220 ( Iowa 1996) (joining the majority of jurisdictions in \'93reject[ing] negligent discharge as an exception to the employment at-will doctrine\'94). Thus all of Quijano\rquote s claims depend on a threshold finding that a n implied-in-fact employment contract exist}{\fs24\insrsid4139775\charrsid13789676 ed at the time of his termination}{\fs24\insrsid6624890\charrsid13789676 .}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745992\charrsid7558251 and 2) \'93 no genuine issue of material fact exists concerning the absence of an implied contract . . . .\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11151124\charrsid7558251 Appellant\rquote s Excerpts of Record ( \'93ER\'94) at 169 (Decision & Order, Nov. 30, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1844159\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2582276\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10056740\charrsid7558251 Quijano points to several factors that he believes demonstrate the existence of an implied contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 During his twenty-four years of employment with }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 , he was the recipient of numerous awards and certificates of recognition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 He was sent on trips to Japan, the Philippines, and Bali}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898212\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 He }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 also }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 received retirement benefits during his time with }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898212\charrsid7558251 At one point during the late 1990\rquote s, he claimed to have turned down another employment opportunity.}{ \cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898212\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 This particular fact supports Quijano\rquote s reliance theory, that is, that he relied upon job security to his detriment. }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 See }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Appella}{\fs24\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 nt}{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \rquote s }{\fs24\insrsid14237426\charrsid13789676 Br.}{\fs24\insrsid7228603\charrsid13789676 at}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 6. However, detrimental reliance is an element of a promissory estoppel claim}{ \fs24\insrsid5925681\charrsid13789676 \emdash his primary}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 claim }{\fs24\insrsid5925681\charrsid13789676 is }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 for breach of an actual implied contract. }{ \i\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid5925681\charrsid13789676 See}{\i\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 Restatement (Second) of Contracts \'a7 90}{ \fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 cmt}{\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 . a}{\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 (1981}{ \fs24\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 )}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 . Thus Quijano\rquote s reliance argument may be disregarded because: 1) there is scant evidence }{\fs24\insrsid5925681\charrsid13789676 in the record }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 that Q}{\fs24\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 uijano}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 suffered injury from refusing the alleged job offer; 2) Quijano did not include a claim of promissory estoppel in his complaint; and 3) reliance is only evidence of Quijano\rquote s subjective impressions, which are irrelevant in determining whether an implied contract was formed. }{\i\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 See}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{ \i\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Horn v. Cushman & Wakefield Western, Inc.}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 85 Cal.}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid14237688\charrsid13789676 }{ \fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 R}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 ptr.}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid13455363\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 2d}{ \fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid14237688\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 459, 472}{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid14237688\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 (Ct. App. 1999). }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 In addition, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 Quijano testified that he believed he could only be terminated for cause, and he based this belief on the fact that other employees were fired for cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 Finally, Quijano points to the versions of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1773246\charrsid7558251 Employee Handbook in the record and notes that each one contains a disciplinary policy listing reasons that an}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11151124\charrsid7558251 employee might be terminated.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2582276\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5442231\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5442231\charrsid7558251 points to the fact that Quijano\rquote s employment application contains an at-will provision that states the employment \'93is for no definite period\'94 and may be \'93 terminated at any time without any previous notice.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5442231\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5442231\charrsid7558251 21 (Application, Dec. 12, 1979).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5442231\charrsid7558251 At-will d isclaimers also appear in three versions of the Employee Handbook submitted to the court below.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 Finally, }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 notes that the 2000 Handbook contains a disclaimer stating \'93[t]his Handbook is }{ \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 not}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 a contract or an employee agreement.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 45}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 (2000 Handbook)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 (underline in original)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1002735\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 II.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid7558251 JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \tab This court has jurisdiction over an appeal from a final judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1424-1(a)(2) (West}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 law 2008}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 ); 7 GCA \'a7 \'a7 3107, 3108(a), 25101, 25102(a) (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 However, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14900422\charrsid7558251 a}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 final judgment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 ha}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14900422\charrsid7558251 d not}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 been}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14900422\charrsid7558251 entered}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 in the present case}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14900422\charrsid7558251 when the Notice of Appeal was filed on }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13455363\charrsid7558251 December}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14900422\charrsid7558251 6, 2007}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Under Rule 58(a)(1) of the Guam Rules of Civil Procedure}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 ,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \'93[e]very judgment and amended judgment must be set forth in a separate document\'94 with exceptions that do not include summary judgments.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 Guam R. Civ. P. (\'93GRCP\'94)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 58(a)(1) (2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 If no separate judgment is entered, Rule 58(b)(2)(B) allows a judgment to be effectively entered, for the purpose of the separate document rule, 150 days afte r entry of the underlying Decision and Order on the docket.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 GRCP 58(b)(2)(B).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 The Decision and Order granting summary judgment to Atkins-Kroll was entered November 30, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Therefore, a final judgment was entered for the purposes of the separate document rule on April 28, 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 See }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 GRCP 58(b)(2)(B).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Although the Notice of Appeal was prematurely filed, Rule 4(a)(2) of the Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure allow a prematurely entered Notice of Appeal to refer to the subsequently entered judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Thus, the appeal was timely and proper once judgment was effectively entered on April 28, 2008. \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \tab A grant of summary judgment is reviewed }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 de novo}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Guam Hous. & Urban Renewal Auth. v. Pac. Superior Enters. Corp. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 , 2004 Guam 22 \'b6 14.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Summary judgment is only proper \'93 if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. \'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 GRCP}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 56(c)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \'93\lquote In rendering a decision on a motion for summary judgment, the court must draw inferences and view the evidence in a light most favorable to the non-moving party.\rquote \'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Pangelinan v. Camacho}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 , 2008 Guam 4 \'b6 6 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Bank of Guam v. Flores}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 , 2004 Guam 25 \'b6 7). \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 III}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 .}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid7558251 DISCUSSION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 A.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 The Law of Implied-in-Fact Employment Contracts \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 \tab Under Guam law, \'93 [a]n employment, having no specified term, may be terminated at the will of either party, on notice to the other.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 18 GCA \'a7 55404}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 (2005)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 .}{\cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 This statute is identical to section 2922 of the California Labor Code. }{\i\fs24\insrsid12858973\charrsid13789676 Compare }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Cal. Labor Code \'a7 2922}{ \fs24\insrsid5463303\charrsid13789676 (2008)}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 . Although California law is usually very persuasive in interpreting identical Guam statutes, }{\fs24\insrsid8791163\charrsid13789676 California courts did not create }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 the implied-in-fact exception to at-will employment until the 1980\rquote s, long after Guam adopted California\rquote s statutes. }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 See}{ \i\fs24\insrsid14696558\charrsid13789676 }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Pugh v. See}{\i\fs24\insrsid6779451\charrsid13789676 \rquote }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 s Candies, Inc.}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 171 Cal. Rptr. 917 (C}{\fs24\insrsid4139775\charrsid13789676 t}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 . App. 1981).}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 In theory, the statute creates a \'93strong presumption\'94 of at will employment, although that presumption has been subject to several limitations.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 Guz v. Bechtel Nat}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6779451\charrsid7558251 \rquote l}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d 1089, 1100 (}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463303\charrsid7558251 Cal. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 2000).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 The original policy considerations for this presumption were described as follows:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid925347\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 \'93[T] he courts have not deemed it to be their function, in the absence of contractual, statutory or public policy considerations, to compel a person to accept or retain another in his employ, nor to compel any person against his will to remain in the employ of another. Indeed, they have consistently held that in such a confidential relationship, the privilege [to terminate] is absolute, and the presence of ill will or improper motive will not destroy it.\'94 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 Consol. Theatres, Inc. v. Theatrical Stage Employees Union}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 , 447 P.2d 325, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14422410\charrsid7558251 336}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 n.12 (Cal. 1968) (quoting 9 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 Williston on Contracts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14422410\charrsid7558251 134, \'a7 1017 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 (3d ed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 1957)).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11684843\charrsid7558251 Thus}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11684843\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 \'93[i]n an at-will employment relationship, either the employer or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all.\'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 Boone v. Frontier Refining, Inc}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 ., 987 P.2d 681, 685 (Wyo. 1999).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811719\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5391304\charrsid7558251 Times have changed.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 Throughout the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14696558\charrsid7558251 1970s and 80}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 s, courts began to carve out numerous exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine, even in the absence of express }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 employment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 agreements.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 See }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 Katharine V.W. Stone, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 Revisiting the At-Will Employment Doctrine: Imposed Terms, Implied Terms, and the Normative World of the Workplace}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11820227\charrsid7558251 , 36 Indus. L.J. 84, 88-90 (2007) (describing the history of wrongful discharge case law).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 On e of these exceptions, and the one Quijano relies upon, is the implied-in-fact employment contract to terminate an employee only for good cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10504884\charrsid7558251 \'93A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 limitation}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 [on the right to terminate an employee]}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 will be implied when, from all the circumstances surrounding the relationship, a reasonable person could conclude that both parties intended that either party}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 s right to terminate the relation}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 ship was limited by the implied in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 fact agreement.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 Jenkins v. Boise Cascade Corp}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880762\charrsid7558251 ., 108 P.3d 380, 388 (Idaho 2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 Simply put, the implied-in-fact employment contract is an extension of the law of implied contracts to the arena of employment law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12418204\charrsid7558251 Cf.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12418204\charrsid7558251 18}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 GCA \'a7 86103}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14100160\charrsid7558251 (2005)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 (\'93An implied contract is one, the existence and terms of which are manifested by conduct.\'94).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347198\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 Quijano never testified to, or produced any written evidence of, an }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 express}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209\charrsid7558251 employment contract with Atkins-Kroll.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 The Appellant\rquote s Brief states that \'93 [t]hroughout the years, [Atkins-Kroll] told Quijano again and again that he was a valued employee }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 who would continue in employment until retirement}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 .\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 Appellant\rquote s }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14237426\charrsid7558251 Br.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 6}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11020779\charrsid7558251 (emphasis added)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 However, the Excerpts of Record show only that Quijano believed that Atkins-Kroll was pleased with his performance, that Atkins-Kroll sent him overseas as a reward for his service, and that Atkins-Kroll provided him with a retirement plan.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8193996\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 119-33}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3170839\charrsid7558251 (Various Supporting Documents)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 None of these beliefs or actions amount to an express oral contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 In addition, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 neither party}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 rgues}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 that Quijano\rquote s employment application or the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 Employee}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 H}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 andbook constitute }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid805717\charrsid7558251 an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11541711\charrsid7558251 express written employm}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid805717\charrsid7558251 ent contract.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid805717\charrsid7558251 The relevant case law suggests this interpretation is correct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid805717\charrsid7558251 See Harden v. Maybelline Sales Corp.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid805717\charrsid7558251 , 282 Cal. Rptr. 96, 99 (Ct. App. 1991) (employment application not a contract); }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15611940\charrsid7558251 DePhillips v. Zolt Const. Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15611940\charrsid7558251 , 959 P.2d 1104, 1107-08 (Wash. 1998) (employee handbook not a written contract because it does not identify employee or job description).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8012209 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 An}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10504884\charrsid7558251 employee\rquote s subjective belief in the existence of an employment contract is not, without more, evidence of the existence of the contract.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16277218\charrsid7558251 Horn v. Cushman & Wakefield Western, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16277218\charrsid7558251 , 85 Cal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16277218\charrsid7558251 Rptr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16277218\charrsid7558251 2d 459, 472 (Ct. App. 1999).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 As the court of }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 Strass v. Kaiser Found}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 Health Plan}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 explained: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 Even if this training and advice created a subjective belief in plaintiff that these procedures were contr actual rights for all employees, including herself, such a belief is insufficient to support a finding that Kaiser agreed that plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s \'93at-will\'94 employment was converted to a \'93just cause\'94 employment contract. [citation omitted]. The fact that plaintiff}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s belief was based on Kaiser}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s conduct is not probative of Kaiser}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s intent. Kaiser }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s intent must be gleaned from its conduct and statements alone, without regard to plaintiff}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 s subjective understanding of such conduct. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032024\charrsid7558251 744 A.2d 1000, 1024-25 (D.C. 2000).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4737571\charrsid7558251 Thus, Quijano\rquote s belief that he could only be terminated for cause does not, by itself, counter the presumption that his employment was at will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10504884\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 In }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 evaluating}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 whether there i}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 s an implied contract, one \'93 must examine the conduct of the parties in order to determine whether there was an agreement . . . .\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 Guam Top Builders}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 , Inc.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 v. Tanota Partners}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 ,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 2006 Guam 3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 \'b6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 14.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 This requires an examination of the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135334\charrsid7558251 \'93totality of the circumstances.\'94} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 Foley v. Interactive Data Corp.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 , 765 P.2d 373, 388 (}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 Cal. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 1988).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 \'93[T]he facts and circumstances surrounding an oral employment-at-will agreement, including the character of the employment, custom, the course of dealing between the parties, company policy, or any other fact which may illuminate the question, can be considered . . . to determine the agreement}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14100160\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 s explicit and implicit terms concerning discharge.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 Mers v. Dispatch Printing Co.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 , 483 N.E.2d 150, 154 (Ohio 1985).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 Although a majority of states have adopted the implied-in-fact contract }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4481990\charrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 exception to the at will employment presumption, they do not all agree as to which factors are most}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 determinative.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 Paul H. Tobias}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 , }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 Litigating Wrongful Discharge Claims}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 \'a7 4.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 1 (2007).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8083434\charrsid7558251 California considers a particularly expansive set of factors in determining whether an implied employment contract exists.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 These factors incl}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 ude: 1) the employer\rquote s personnel policies or practices; 2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 the e}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 mployee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14100160\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 s longevity of service; 3) }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 actions or communications reflecting assurances of continued employment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 from the employer;}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 4) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 the practices of the industry in which the }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 employee is engaged.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 Foley}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 , 765 P.2d }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 387 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 citing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 Pugh}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 , }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 171 Cal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 Rptr. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 at}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10626407\charrsid7558251 925-26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14694274\charrsid7558251 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9719591\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13519351\charrsid7558251 Although this court is under no obligation to adopt California\rquote s case law in this area, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 we agree with the holding of} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13519351\charrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 to the extent that the \'93totality of the circumstances\'94 must be examined in determining whether an implied-in-fact contract exists.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4478898\charrsid7558251 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4478898\charrsid7558251 at 388.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 As for the four general }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 factors }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 outlined}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12858973\charrsid7558251 therein, we find some to be relevant, while others are only minimally so}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 . \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 1.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 Personnel Policies and the Employee Handbook \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [13]}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 Of all the factors to be considered in determining whether an implied contract exists, examination of the policies set forth in the employee handbook is perhaps}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 one of}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 the most important.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 This is because \'93 it would be almost inevitable for an employee to regard [the employee handbook] as a binding commitment, legally enforceable, concerning the terms and conditions of his employment.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 Woolley v. Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 491 A.2d 1257}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 , 1265}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 (N.J. 1985), }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 judgment modified}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 on other ground}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7430982\charrsid7558251 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7430982\charrsid7558251 ,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 499 A.2d 515.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 Thus an employer, \'93 [h]aving announced the policy, presumably with a view to obtaining the bene}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid667861\charrsid7558251 fit of improved employee attitu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 des and behavior and improved quality of the work force, . . . may not treat its promise as illusory.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 Toussaint v. Blue Cross & Bl ue Shield}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 of Mich.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 , 292 N.W.2d 880}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7169688\charrsid7558251 , 895}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738266\charrsid7558251 (Mich. 1980).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid667861\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1245551\charrsid7558251 The handbook, although not}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11535773\charrsid7558251 necessarily}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1245551\charrsid7558251 a contract itself, is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 an}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1245551\charrsid7558251 important method by which an employer can \'93manifest[] by conduct\'94 the existence of an implied contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1245551\charrsid7558251 18 GCA \'a7 86103.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1245551\charrsid7558251 Early emplo yee handbooks that described for-cause termination procedures were often held to be a manifestation by the employer that the employees were no longer considered \'93at will.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11535773\charrsid7558251 For example, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11535773\charrsid7558251 Toussaint}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 , }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 the employer\rquote s personnel manual stated that it was company \'93policy\'94 to terminate employees \'93for just cause only.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 292 N.W.2d at 884.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 The }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247467\charrsid7558251 Michigan Supreme Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 found the company\rquote s policy to be an enforceable promise not to terminate its employees except for just cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 Id.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 at 885.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11215815\charrsid7558251 Similarly, in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 D\rquote Angelo v. Gardner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 , the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247467\charrsid7558251 Supreme Court of Nevada}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 found that the question of an implied contract was properly given to a jury where the employee handbook described a for-caus}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247467\charrsid7558251 e termination policy and the at-}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 will disclaimer had been removed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 819 P.2d 206, 212 (Nev. 1991).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 Finally, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 Kinoshita v. Canadian Pacific Airlines, Ltd.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247467\charrsid7558251 the Hawai \rquote i Supreme Court determined that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 an employee handbook describing discipline procedures }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247467\charrsid7558251 was }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 enforceable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814228\charrsid7558251 724 P.2d 110}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 , 118}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3153957\charrsid7558251 -19}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 (Haw. 1986).}{ \cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\insrsid25110\charrsid13789676 The}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 employer in }{ \i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Kinoshita}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 also distributed a letter to its employees claiming that \'93our written employment arrangements with you .}{\fs24\insrsid8871314\charrsid13789676 }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 .}{\fs24\insrsid8871314\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 . constitute[ ] an enforceable contract.\'94 }{\fs24\insrsid16204197\charrsid13789676 724 P.2d 110, 117 (Haw. 1986)}{ \fs24\insrsid6624890\charrsid13789676 .}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 a. The Effect of Disclaimers \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3870147\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 Understandably, employers soon began to include disclaimers in their employee handbooks to remind employees that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 their employment is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 terminable at will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9791952\charrsid7558251 The effect of such disclaimers }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 varies}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9791952\charrsid7558251 from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4533950\charrsid7558251 Many courts are more than willing to give an at-will disclaimer }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7149499\charrsid7558251 its intended effect}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4533950\charrsid7558251 .}{ \cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4533950\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Tyco Elec}{\i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 tronics}{ \i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Corp. v. Davis}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 895 A.2d 638, 640 (Pa. Super. }{\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 Ct. }{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 2006) (\'93 Pennsylvania law disfavors extrapolating an implied contract from an employment policy that clearly contained strong disclaimer language . . . .\'94); }{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Clement-Rowe v. Mich}{\i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 .}{ \i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Health Care Corp}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 ., 538 N.W.2d 20}{\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 , 22-23}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 (}{\insrsid8791163\charrsid13789676 Mich. Ct. App. }{ \insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 1995) (employee who signed at-will disclaimer cannot later claim a legitimate expectation of just-cause employment); }{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Bailey v. Perkins Rests}{\i\insrsid7430982\charrsid13789676 .}{ \i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , Inc.}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 398 N.W.2d 120, 123 (N.D. 1986) (clear and conspicuous disclaimer preserves presumption of employment at-will); }{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Andrews v. S}{ \i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 w.}{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Wyo}{\i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 .}{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Rehab}{\i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 .}{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 C}{ \i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 t}{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 r}{\i\insrsid3153957\charrsid13789676 .}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 974 P.2d 948, 951 (Wyo. 1999) (valid, conspicuous, and unambiguous disclaimer notifying employees of their at-will employment status can preclude a progressive discipline policy from forming an implied contract); }{\i\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Barmettler v. Reno Air, Inc}{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 ., 956 P.2d 1382, 1389 (Nev. 1998) (\'93Reno Air}{\insrsid5261027\charrsid13789676 \rquote }{\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 s Employee Handbook and its Drug and Alcohol Policy do not create an inherent ambiguity with regard to Reno Air's express disclaimer that an employee's at-will status retains its vitality.}{\insrsid6624890\charrsid13789676 \'94).}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1842162\charrsid7558251 Some}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4533950\charrsid7558251 interpret the disclaimer}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7149499\charrsid7558251 in light of other evidence\emdash especially where conflicting provisions in the employee handbook cast doubt on the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7430982\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7149499\charrsid7558251 employee\rquote s at-will status.}{\cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4533950\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Walker v. Blue Cross of Ca}{\i\fs24\insrsid7430982\charrsid13789676 l.}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 6 Cal.}{\fs24\insrsid8790642\charrsid13789676 }{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Rptr.}{\fs24\insrsid5261027\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 2d 184, 189 (Ct. App. 1992), }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 abrogated on other grounds by}{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Guz}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 8 P.3d at 1111(\'93[L] anguage in the handbook that there is an at-will employment relationship does not establish the nature of the relationship as a matter of law.\'94); }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Loffa v. Intel Corp}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 ., 738 P.2d 1146, 1148, 1153 (Ariz. Ct. App.}{\fs24\insrsid7430982\charrsid13789676 }{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 1987) (summary judgment properly denied even though employee handbook contained at will disclaimer); }{ \i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Brown v. United Methodist Homes }{\i\fs24\insrsid8871314\charrsid13789676 f}{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 or }{\i\fs24\insrsid8871314\charrsid13789676 t}{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 he Aged}{ \fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 815 P.2d 72, }{\fs24\insrsid7430982\charrsid13789676 83}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 (Kan. 1991) (denial of summary judgment was proper given that employee manual contained a for-caus e termination policy and at-will disclaimer was added after employment began); }{\i\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 Alexander v. Phillips Oil Co.}{\fs24\insrsid6897718\charrsid13789676 , 707 P.2d 1385, 1388-89 (Wyo. 1987) (summary judgment not appropriate where employee handbook contained both an at-will disclaimer and an inconsistent policy }{\fs24\insrsid6624890\charrsid13789676 of terminating only for cause).}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 The California Supreme Court explained the reason that disclaimers are not dispositive as follows:}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467728\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 We agree that disclaimer language in an employee handbook or policy manual does not necessarily mean an employee is employed at will. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 But even if a handbook disclaimer is not controlling} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 [citation omitted] in every case, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 neither can such a provision be ignored}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 in determining whether the parties}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 conduct was intended, and reasonably understood, to create binding limits on an employer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 s statutory right to terminate the relationship at will. Like any direct expression of employer intent, communicated to employees and intended to apply to them, such language must be taken into account, along with all other pertinent evid ence, in ascertaining the terms on which a worker was employed. \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1103-04}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020689\charrsid7558251 (emphasis added)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11289981\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 We agree that}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020689\charrsid7558251 a court should still look to the \'93totality of the circumstances\'94 in determining whether an implied-in-fact employment contract exists, even in the presence of an at-will disclaimer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020689\charrsid7558251 Foley}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3020689\charrsid7558251 , 765 P.2d at 388.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020110\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020110\charrsid7558251 \tab Similarly, a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 contractual disclaimer\emdash one stating that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020110\charrsid7558251 the employee handbook}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 does not constitute a contract\emdash }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020110\charrsid7558251 will not }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 always prevent a finding that the handbook is evidence of an implied contract.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 See}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 Jones v. Cent. Peninsula Gen. Hosp.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 , 779 P.2d 783, 788 (Alaska 1989).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 \'93A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 contractual disclaimer does not automatically negate a document}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 s contractual status and must be read by reference to the parties}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 \lquote norms of conduct and e}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 xpectations founded upon them.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 \'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 Zaccardi v. Zale Corp.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 , 856 F.2d 1473, 1476-77 (10th Cir.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 1988)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 Hillis v. Meister}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 , 483 P.2d 1314, 1317 (}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 N.M. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 Ct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 App.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10948213\charrsid7558251 1971))}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14352485\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639183\charrsid7558251 Therefore, if Quijano produce}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8791163\charrsid7558251 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639183\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 sufficient}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639183\charrsid7558251 evidence that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639183\charrsid7558251 intended to terminate his employment only for cause, the contractual disclaimer in the 2000 Handbook would be only evidence of a contrary intent and not necessarily }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 controlling}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639183\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7149499\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 b. The Effect of Handbook Disciplinary Policies \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779462\charrsid7558251 The character and nature of the discipline procedures descri}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3170839\charrsid7558251 bed in the employee manual help}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779462\charrsid7558251 in determining whether an implied for-cause termination contract exists.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779462\charrsid7558251 For example, an employee manual that explicitly assures employees they can only be terminated for cause would be strong evidence of an implied contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779462\charrsid7558251 See}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 Brown v. United Methodist Homes For The Aged}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 , 815 P.2d 72, 77, 83 (Kan. 1991) (upholding a verdict for employee despite at-will disclaimer where company explicitly stated its policy not to terminate except for just cause)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 ; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 but see Lytle v. Malady}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 , 579 N.W.2d 906, 911 (Mich. 1998) (brief handbook statement that \'93no employee will be terminated }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 without proper cause or reason\'94 insufficient to overcome presumption of at-will status)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779462\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 For an employee-plaintiff, the next best thing to an explicit statement }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 of for-cause employment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 would be a progressive discipline policy.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 See Wood v. Loyola Marymount Univ.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 , 267 Cal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 Rptr. 230, 233-35 (Ct. App. 1990) (triable issue of fact where university had elaborate progressive discipline system); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 Robinson v. Hewlett-Packard Corp.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 , 228 Cal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7430982\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 Rptr. 591, 599 (Ct. App. 1986) (\'93[A]}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 n implied-in-fact promise}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 . . . }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 is reflected not only in HP} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 s \lquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 Per}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 sonnel Policies and Guidelines,\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 but also in the performance evaluations, warnings, and instruction actually given to } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 [plaintiff]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 \'94)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14702828\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7149499\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 Finally, and least convincing of all, are termination clauses in handbooks that specifically reiterate that employment is terminable at will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 Shoppe v. Gucci America, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 , an employee handbook read as follows: \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 While your employment with Gucci may be terminated without cause by Gucci or by you}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 , the following represent some of the conduct which could result in serious disciplinary action up to and including termination: . . . . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 \par 14 P.3d 1049}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 , 1066}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 (Haw. 2000) (emphasis }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10173926\charrsid7558251 in original}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 In addition to the disclaimer, the language of the handbook contained no provision providing for written notice before termination.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 Id.}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 The Hawai\rquote i Supreme Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 therefore }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 determined that because the handbook did not modify the employee\rquote s at will status, the lower court properly granted summary judgment to the employer.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4548785\charrsid7558251 at 1067.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13190208\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [19]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12671084\charrsid7558251 Even in the absence of a disclaimer, t}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 he mere presence of a disciplinary policy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12671084\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 will not }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12671084\charrsid7558251 necessarily }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 create an}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 implied contract f or the reasons explained in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 Brooks v. Hilton Casinos Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 : \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 Standardized disciplinary procedures are generally positive additions to a business. They provide employers a method of cautioning employees, and afford employees an opportunity to improve job per formance in order to retain employment. They also create a general consistency and security in the work place. If we were to hold that the establishment of standard disciplinary procedures for employees is, in and of itself, sufficient to convert an at-wi ll employee to an employee who can be fired only for cause, employers would be reluctant to continue to establish them. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 \par 959 F.2d 757, 760 (9th Cir. 1992) (interpreting Nevada law).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12671084\charrsid7558251 Disciplinary policies are to be encouraged, and we would discourage such p olicies by holding that employers}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 who simply articulate their employee expectations}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12671084\charrsid7558251 can }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 so easily destroy the at-will presumption.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 Even so, a disciplinary policy that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 manifests an intent to create a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 for-cause employment agreement may be evidence of an enfo rceable contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 We therefore examine closely the written policies of Atkins-Kroll for eviden}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8871314\charrsid7558251 ce}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6695313\charrsid7558251 of such intent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid352101\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 c. The Atkins-Kroll Employee Handbooks \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [20]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 \tab The Employee H}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 andbook at issue in the present case is represented in three versions: one from 2000, one from 1994, and a third with an undetermined date of publication.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 All three versions have section headings entitled \'93AK is an \lquote At-Will\rquote Employer.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8193996\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 51, 74, 95 (Handbooks).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 The 2000 version reads in part \'93[y]our employment with AK is terminable at will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 It may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at the discretion of Management.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 51 (2000 Handbook).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 The undated ver}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 sion contains similar language, stating that \'93 your employment and compensation can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at your option or at the option of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 .\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 95 (Undated Handbook).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 However, the language of the 1994 Handbook differs significantly from the other versions:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619550\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 We try to be very careful to hire only those people we feel reasonably sure are qualified . . . [h]owever, we may make some mistakes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 If it turns out that we have hired someone who will not or cannot do the work satisfactorily or is not compatible, it will be necessary to terminate our employment relationship in order to keep our business in a strong competitive position. \par \par If your employment is terminated}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 consistent with AK\rquote s right to discharge at will}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 , whether or not any sever ance pay is given is up to the discretion of the Board of Directors.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 Dishonesty, absenteeism,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 [etc.]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 . . . are examples of behavior that could lead to discipline up to and including discharge. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7228603\charrsid7558251 at}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 74 (1994 Handbook) (emphasis added).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 Th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1842162\charrsid7558251 e 1994}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 version, which one can speculate was drafted by a non-lawyer, does not explicitly define at-will employment at all.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 Instead, it describes various reasons for which an employee might be terminated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1529524\charrsid7558251 \'93No reason at all\'94 is conspicuously absent from the list.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6556906\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [21]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10294603\charrsid7558251 Despi te the editorial changes to the Handbook throughout the years, only the 2000 version is relevant to Quijano\rquote s employment status at the time of his termination}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 The majority rule is that \'93an employer may terminate or modify a contract with no fixed duration period after a reasonable time period, if it provides employees with reasonable notice, and the modification does not interfere with vested employee benefits.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Asmus v. Pac}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Bell}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 999 P.2d 71, 76 (Cal. 2000), }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 but see Demasse v. ITT Corp.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 984 P.2d 1138, 1145 (Ariz. 1999) (continued employment inadequate consideration for modification of employment policies).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 The theory behind the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Asmus }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 rule is that revision to employment policies are \'93unilateral implied-in-fact contracts\'94 which employees can subsequently accept \'93by continuing their employment.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Asmus}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 999 P.2d at 76.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Assuming that the 2000 Handbook is the latest version, Quijano must be considered bound by its provisions, since he continued to work for Atkins-Kroll for four years after the Handbook was published. \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [22]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 There is also a question of whether the Handbook policies were communicated to Quijano at all, since he claims to have read the Handbook for the first time after his termination.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8871314\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Under unilateral contract theory, Quijano\rquote s ignorance of the Handbooks\rquote existence may have prevented him from \'93accepting\'94 Atkins-Kroll\rquote s stated policies by continuing his employment in reliance on them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 But see}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Ormsby v. Dana Kepner Co. of Wyo., Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 997 P.2d 465, 470 (Wyo. 2000) (order, cooperation, and loyalty are consideration for a unilateral employment contract).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10294603\charrsid7558251 Therefore, some}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 courts adhere to the position that an employee must be aware of a handbook to benefit from its promises.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 See}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Morosetti v. La}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Land and Exploration Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 564 A.2d 151, 153 (Pa. 1989) (manual available only to supervisors could not be an offer accepted by employees unaware of its policies).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Other courts have refused to apply unilateral contract theory in such a hyper-technical way.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 See, e.g., Woolley}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 491 A.2d }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 1266-68 (con cluding that reliance is presumed under a unilateral contract analysis); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Toussaint}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 , 292 N.W.2d at 892 (\'93 No pre-employment negotiations need take place and the parties}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 minds need not meet on the subject;}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 [footnote omitted]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 nor does it matter that the employee knows nothing of the particulars of the employer}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 s policies and practices or that the employer may change them unilaterally.\'94).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [23]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 We find the more }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 liberal interpretation of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Woolley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 and }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 Toussaint}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 to be persuasive}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 A lthough Quijano does not recall reading the Handbooks during his twenty-four years of employment, he claims to have observed other employees being terminated for cause during his tenure with Atkins-Kroll.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 He therefore had some awareness of the policies that Atkins-Kroll had put}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13246329\charrsid7558251 in place through its Handbooks}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 and can fairly be said to have accepted those policies by continuing his employment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13246329\charrsid7558251 In other words, a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9271363\charrsid7558251 n employer can communicate its policies to an employee by structuring the workplace in }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13246329\charrsid7558251 conformity with those policies, even if the employee had no first-hand knowledge of their written expression.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13246329\charrsid7558251 Cf. Toussaint}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13246329\charrsid7558251 , 292 N.W.2d at 892.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5774582\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [24]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8192699\charrsid7558251 The written expression of Atkins-Kroll\rquote s employment policies }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 can be found within }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid550302\charrsid7558251 disciplinary policy sections of }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 its }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8192699\charrsid7558251 Handbooks.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 All three versions of the Handbook contain a section entitled \'93Disciplinary Action.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8193996\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 58, 79, 96 (Handbooks).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 Each version provides \'93some examples of conduct that can result in immediate termination . . . .\'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8193996\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 58, 79, 96 (Handbooks).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 The 1994 and 2000 version}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10173926\charrsid7558251 s}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 also include the additional statement that \'93[t]his list is not meant to be all inclusive . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1579937\charrsid7558251 Other improper conduct could also lead to immediate termination.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8871314\charrsid7558251 ER at 58, 79 (Handbooks).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 Although the 2000 Handbook allows for impo sition of less serious discipline such as verbal warnings, written reprimands, and suspensions, none of the Handbooks can be said to implement a progressive disciplinary procedure}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15141028\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 For example, t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15141028\charrsid7558251 here is no requirement that an employee be notified before te rmination, given a hearing, or afforded warning for first-time conduct violations.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3044660\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [25]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 We find that the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12150199\charrsid7558251 Handbooks themselves }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 do}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12150199\charrsid7558251 not adequately demonstrate the existence of an implied}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 -in-fact}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12150199\charrsid7558251 contract}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 to terminate only for cause}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12150199\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4725648\charrsid7558251 The }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 at-will disclaimer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12150199\charrsid7558251 s}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 and lack of procedural protections against termination would have reminded a reasonable employee that his or her employment was at-will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 The present case is therefore factually analogous to }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 Shoppe}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 , where the employee handbook included an at-will disclaimer, a non-exclusive list of reasons for termination, and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 few}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 procedural protections for terminated employees.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9007697\charrsid7558251 14 P.3d at 1066.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914536\charrsid7558251 Here too, Atkins-Kroll\rquote s disciplinary procedures do not}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 , by themselves,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914536\charrsid7558251 manifest an intent to change Quijano\rquote s status as an at-will employee. \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687004\charrsid7558251 2.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3308537\charrsid7558251 The Employee\rquote s Longevity of Service \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [26]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 California appears to be virtually alone in considering longevity of service as supporting the existence of an implied}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 -in-fact}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 employment contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 But see }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 Bowen v. Income Producing Mgmt. of Okla., Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 , 202 F.3d 1282, 1284 (10th Cir.2000) (interpreting Oklahoma law}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 and mentioning longevity of service}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 ); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 Allegri v. Providence-St. Margaret Health C}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6233737\charrsid7558251 tr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 , 684 P.2d 1031, 1036 (Kan. Ct. App. 1984}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14115566\charrsid7558251 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12998249\charrsid7558251 (mentioning longevity of service in dicta)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Other courts do not consider longevity of service to be a factor supporting the existence of an implied contract.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 See, e.g., Roberts v. Atl}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7028979\charrsid7558251 .}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Richfield Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 , 568 P.2d 764, 769 (Wash. 1977) (no authority to support theory that longev ity of service constitutes additional consideration sufficient to establish a contract terminable only for cause); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Brooks}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 ,} {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 959 F.2d }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 at 76}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 0 n.2 (interpreting Nevada law).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Moreover, even California courts have accepted the notion that \'93an employee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 s }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 mere}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 passage of time in the employer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 s service, even where marked with tangible indicia that the employer approves the employee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 s work, cannot }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 alone}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 form an implied-in-fact contract that the employee is no longer at will.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Guz}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1104}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 (emphasis in original)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 ; }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 see also Miller v. Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 , 259 Cal. Rptr. 56, 59 (Ct. App. 1989) (holding that long service and promotion alone do not change the status of an at-will employee).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [27]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 As the California Supreme Court explained, longevity of service}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 is relevant because \'93[o]ver the period of an employee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 s tenure, the employer can certainly communicate, by its written and unwritten policies and practices, or by informal assurances, that seniority and longevity }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 do}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 create rights against termination at will.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1105}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7028979\charrsid7558251 (emphasis in original)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8989682\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 Thus, an employee}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6120212\charrsid7558251 s long tenure creates more opportunity that other evidence, such as oral assurances, might }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 establish an implied-in-fact contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 However, we also note that a lengthy employment }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 without}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5702530\charrsid7558251 ind icia of an implied-in-fact contract might be evidence that the employer had no intention of destroying the at-will presumption.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4332015\charrsid7558251 An employer might even use a period of long tenure to actually affirm that employment is at will.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5450305\charrsid7558251 Although a very short tenure m ight be relevant in determining that there was insufficient time for an implied contract to form,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid394900\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151845\charrsid7558251 s}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid394900\charrsid7558251 ee}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid394900\charrsid7558251 Gould v. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7028979\charrsid7558251 Maryland Sound Industries}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid394900\charrsid7558251 , 37 Cal. Rptr. 2d 718, 726 (Ct. App. 1995),}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5450305\charrsid7558251 a long tenure, by itself, has only minimal relevance to th e question of whether an implied-in-fact contract existed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4332015\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 We therefore look to the evidence of Atkins-Kroll\rquote s intentions, rather that Quijano\rquote s length of service, in determining Quijano\rquote s employment status at the time of his termination.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4806672\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3308537\charrsid7558251 3.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3308537\charrsid7558251 Assurances of Continued Employment \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [28]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151845\charrsid7558251 Assurances of continued employment, particularly oral assurances, can imply an intention to terminate employment only for cause}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 The employee of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 presented not only evidence of \'93 promotions, salary increases and bonuses\'94 but also evidence of \'93repeated oral assurances of job security,\'94}{\cs17\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13789676 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs17\fs24\super\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 \chftn }{ \fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 At least one California case implied in dicta that the absence of oral assurances was }{\fs24\insrsid4139775\charrsid13789676 evidence}{\fs24\insrsid9207205\charrsid13789676 of the absence of an implied contract}{ \fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 . }{\i\fs24\insrsid16477379\charrsid13789676 See }{\i\fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 Davis}{\i\fs24\insrsid12912619\charrsid13789676 v. Consol. Freightways}{\fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 , 34 Cal. Rptr. 2d }{\fs24\insrsid12912619\charrsid13789676 438, }{\fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 445}{\fs24\insrsid12912619\charrsid13789676 (Ct. App. 1994)}{\fs24\insrsid3285770\charrsid13789676 (\'93 Conspicuously absent from plaintiff's pleadings or evidence is any hint that he was ever told at any time that he had permanent employment, or that he would be retained as long as he was doing a good job.\'94).}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 which are absent from the present case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11010702\charrsid7558251 765 P.2d at 388}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 However, in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Walker v. Blue Cross of California}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 , the court made no specific mention of oral assurances: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Viewing the totality of the circumstances surrounding Walker}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303864\charrsid7558251 \rquote }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 s employment, including her ninetee n and one-half years of service, her receipt of consistent promotions and salary increases, her receipt of merit increases and satisfactory evaluations, the personnel policies in existence during her employment, the existence of the implied-in-fact agreem ent has been established as a triable issue of fact. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7558251 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 6 Cal. Rptr. 2d 184, 189 (Ct. App. 1992), }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 abrogated on other grounds by}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Guz}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1111; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 see also}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Haycock v. Hughes Aircraft Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 , 28 Cal. Rptr. 2d 248, 257-58 (Ct. App. 1994) (implied-in-fact contrac t was a triable issue even though employer had never promised permanent employment during employee\rquote s twenty-five years.)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14367633\charrsid7558251 Thus, Quijano may be able to demonstrate an implied-in-fact contract despite the absence of explicit oral assurances if he can muster enough evidence to imply such assurances were given indirectly. \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [29]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 Quijano has produced }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 only }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 indirect evidence of Atkins-Kroll\rquote s assurances in the form of re tirement benefits, employee appreciation awards, and perks such as trips to Japan, the Philippines, and Bali.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 Because the existence of an implied contract is demonstrated \'93\lquote by the acts and conduct of the parties,\rquote \'94 even such indirect evidence }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 may be}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 helpful in establishing that Quijano had a \'93reasonable expectation that he would not be discharged except for good cause.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 , 765 P.2d at 388 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 Pugh}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 , 171 Cal. Rptr. at 927).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 Even so, }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 the California Supreme Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3285770\charrsid7558251 has}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 \'93decline[d] to interpret }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 as h olding that long, successful service, standing alone, can demonstrate an implied-in-fact contract right not to be terminated at will.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1105.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [30]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 We agree with the reasoning of }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 If this court were to create}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 for-cause employment rights based }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 only }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 on evidence of raises, promotions, and benefits}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 , the result would be to eviscerate}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 the at-will employment presumption of 18 GCA \'a7 55404.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 Promotions and raises are not necessarily evidence of contractual intent, but rather \'93natural occurrences of an employee who remains with an employer for a substantial length of time.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 Miller}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 , 259 Cal. Rptr. at 59.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 A rule that converts long, successful at-will employment into a presumption of for-cause employment would}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 effectively}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 \'93discourage the retention and promotion of employees.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 Guz}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 11}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 04-05.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 We therefore echo the concerns of one Ninth Circuit judge, who remarked}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 in response to early California cases}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 that \'93the statutory presumption of at-will employment has been reduced to a hollow legal fiction, an inconvenience to be endured on the way to a hefty recovery.\'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 Kern v. Levolor Lorentzen, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 , 899 F.2d 772, 783 (9th Cir. 1990).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 There are good policy reasons to avoid having the implied-in-fact employment doctrine swallow the at-will presumption rule of 18 GCA \'a7 55404, and we decline to hold that Quijano\rquote s successful service alone }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 sufficient to establish an implied-in-fact employment contract.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2978052\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [31]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 The same can be said of Quijano\rquote s observation that employees of Atkins-Kroll were terminated only for ca}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 u}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 se.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 Modern business managers recognize the importance of boosting employee morale by emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 One would therefore expect that employers who routinely terminate employees for no good reason would be a rarity.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 This}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2698084\charrsid7558251 , in turn,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7620055\charrsid7558251 suggests that Quijano\rquote s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2698084\charrsid7558251 observation would be typical of most em}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11362472\charrsid7558251 ployees in the modern workforce and not necessarily indicative of Atkins-Kroll\rquote s intent to create a for-cause employment relationship.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11362472\charrsid7558251 In order to establish an implied-in-fact employment contract, Atkins-Kroll would have to manifest its intention by}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 oral expressions or}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11362472\charrsid7558251 some conduct above and beyond mere sensible business practices.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11362472\charrsid7558251 To hold otherwise would discourage the equitable treatment of employees and force employers to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 occasionally terminate employees without reason in order to preserve the at-will presumption.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid923491\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3308537\charrsid7558251 4.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3308537\charrsid7558251 Industry Practice \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [32]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 Industry practice }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 appears to be the least important}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 factor}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 in dete rmining whether there exists and implied-in-fact employment contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 No California case has ever found }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25110\charrsid7558251 industry practice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 to be relevant, possibly because industries that practice termination only for cause are rare or non-existent.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 Understandably, the cases that do attempt to analyze this factor find an absence of any relevant industry practice.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 See}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 Davis v. Consol}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 Freightways}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 , 34 Cal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 Rptr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 2d 438, 445-46 (Ct. App. 1994).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7236919\charrsid7558251 Here too, Quijano fails to demonstrate, or even argue, that automobile retailers practice termination only for good cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 B.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 Summary Judgment }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4139775\charrsid7558251 was}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 Appropriate \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [33]}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3164818\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 Generally, the existence of an implied contract of employment is a question of fact not suitable for summary judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16477379\charrsid7558251 See }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 Troy v. Rutgers}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 , 774 A.2d 476, 483 (N.J. 2001); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 Kastner v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kan}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 , Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 ,} {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 894 P.2d 909, 916 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 Haycock}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 ,}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 28 Cal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 Rptr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8790642\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14383860\charrsid7558251 2d at 258.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 However, \'93 if only one reasonable conclusion can be drawn from the undisputed facts, the issue may be decided as a matter of law on summary judgment.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid804387\charrsid7558251 Kovatch v. Cal.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 Cas. M}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid804387\charrsid7558251 gm}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 t}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid804387\charrsid7558251 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 Co.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 , 77 Cal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 Rptr.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 2d 217, 229 (Ct. App. 1998), }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 disapproved of on other grounds}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 , }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 Aguilar v. Atl}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid804387\charrsid7558251 .}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 Richfield Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 , 24 P.3d 493, 512 n.19 (Cal. 2001).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 For example, \'93\lquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 summary judgment may be granted if the plaintiff presents only evidence of his own unilateral expectations of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 continued employment.\rquote \'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 Kastner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 , }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 894 P.2d }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5137091\charrsid7558251 at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 916}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 Conyers v. Safelite Glass Corp.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 , 825 F.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1788996\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4751027\charrsid7558251 Supp. 974, 977 (D. Kan. 1993))}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11816181\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 [34]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6624890\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 has provided undisputed evidence of at-will disclaimers in both Quijano\rquote s employment application and the Handbooks.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 This evidence, along with 18 GCA \'a7 55404, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 establishes a presumption of at-}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 will employment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 Because }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925681\charrsid7558251 Atkins-Kroll}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 has carried its burden of production, Quijano is now \'93 subjected to a burden of production of his own to make a prima facie showing of the existence of a triable issue of material fact.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 Aguilar}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 ,}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 24 P.3d at 510.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12874549\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9375219\charrsid7558251 [35]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9375219\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 In light of the at-will disclaimer, the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 existence of a non-progressive disciplinary procedure}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 in the 2000 Handbook}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288392\charrsid7558251 not enough to overcome the at-will presumption by itself.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 See }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154673\charrsid7558251 Brooks}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154673\charrsid7558251 , 959 F.2d at 760.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 Quijano\rquote s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 \'93unilateral expectations of continuing employment\'94 and his subjective impression}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 that employees of Atkins-Kroll were terminated only for cause }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 are}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 also insufficient to overcome the presumption.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 Kastner}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 , 894 P.2d at 916; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 see also Horn}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 , 85 Cal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 Rptr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 2d at 472.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288392\charrsid7558251 Similarly, Quijano\rquote s long and apparently successful employment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474020\charrsid7558251 does not, by itself, create an implied-in-fact contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956937\charrsid7558251 See Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12912619\charrsid7558251 , 8 P.3d at 1104}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956937\charrsid7558251 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 Finally, we do not find longevity of service and industry practice to be particularly relevant}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid664580\charrsid7558251 to the case before us}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 Although }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3495553\charrsid7558251 one must}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 look to \'93 the totality of the circumstances,\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1211107\charrsid7558251 , 765 P.2d at 388, t}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 he}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 court of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 Guz}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 denied \'93that every vague combination of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 Foley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 factors, shaken together in a bag, necessarily allows a finding that the employee had a right to be discharged only for good cause, as determined in court.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863761\charrsid7558251 8 P.3d at 1101.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 Because}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 Quijano cannot make a prima facie case showing a triable issue of fact on any of the individual }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 Foley}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 factors, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 a reasonable trier of fact could not have concluded that an implied-in-fact employment contract was intended.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5905866\charrsid7558251 S}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 ummary judgment }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 was}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 proper.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1968785\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 IV}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 .}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1788996\charrsid7558251 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid7558251 CONCLUSION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9375219\charrsid7558251 [36]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid539698\charrsid7558251 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6574748\charrsid7558251 California has struggled to interpret the }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6574748\charrsid7558251 Foley }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 factors on a case-by-case basis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847183\charrsid7558251 , as virtually every fact pattern entices plaintiffs\rquote lawyers to bring a wrongful termination suit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 More recent cases like }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 Guz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 have tried to reign in the number of wrongful discharge cases by giving employers guidance as to how to avoid destroying the at-will presumption, and by reminding employees (and their lawyers) that some cases are not worth pursuing.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 Certain }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 Foley}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 factors, such a written policies and oral communications, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 are very}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 relevant to the existence of an implied contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 Other factors, such as promotions, raises, benefits, and longevity}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 of service}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 , }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 are typical of virtually every employment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 relationship}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 and therefore less relevant in determining whether an implied-in-fact employment contract exists}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15032602\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15154673\charrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9375219\charrsid7558251 [37]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 \tab The evidence presented in the instant case\emdash longevity of service,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 raises,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935318\charrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 benefits, awards, and }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3684069\charrsid7558251 the observation}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 that Atkins-Kroll would }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3684069\charrsid7558251 typically}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 terminate an employee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3684069\charrsid7558251 only}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 for cause\emdash fall into the latter category.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 We therefore hold that Quijano has not presented a triable issue of fact, and summary j}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 udgment was properly granted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7558251 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 As a result, t}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 he j}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4795525\charrsid7558251 udgment of the Superior Court must be}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 AFFIRMED}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122807\charrsid7558251 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16480784\charrsid7558251 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 SEQ CHAPTER \\h \\r 1}}{\fldrslt }}\sectd \psz1\sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery432\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11362014\sftnbj {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5571789 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5571789\charrsid5571789 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par Associate Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5571789 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5571789\charrsid5571789 KATHERINE A. MARAMAN}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5571789\charrsid5571789 Associate Justice}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12591529 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5571789 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8924680\charrsid5571789 ROBERT J. TORRES, JR. \par Chief Justice}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10949319\charrsid5571789 \par }}