Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Verbal Partnership?

I worked for a man for 13 years at several companies; each time he left a company he would take me along calling me his partner. On several occasions he would tell me I was his ''brother'' or partner & that we were building a business together. After 13 years he fired me with little or no reason. If I was truly a partner could I be fired or would I have to be bought out?

He gave this same ''partner'' speech to another employee who had been with him for 9 years; this man was also let go with little or no reason.

Thanks for your help.


Asked on 6/14/04, 10:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Verbal Partnership?

Hello. It appears that you have been misled for

the past 13 years. With a partnership agreement

there has to be consideration or (a promise for

a promise) for the agreement to be legally binding. In your situation I do not see consideration. Merely calling you a partner, without more, in my opinion, does not make you

a business partner. Remember, at times people call each other partners when they are friends/associates. You asked whether he would

have to buy you out rather than fire you. Well,

in this instance, since there was apparently no

consideration, there would be nothing that was

brought in by you to "buy out". This being the

case, he could fire you. However, you may have

other remedies in connection with your employment, but hopefully you understand the point I am trying to make.

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Answered on 6/15/04, 2:37 am


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