Falsely Accused? ILS Helps Client Win Back Reputation in Defamation Battle

Innovative Legal Services (ILS) recently achieved a significant substantive win for a client in a written defamation dispute. Even before the case proceeded to trial, the court granted a favorable Motion for Summary Adjudication (MSA), formally finding that the opposing party not only committed defamation, but did so with actual malice. This decisive pretrial ruling shifted the balance of the case, positioning the client for final victory and locking in a strong advantage well before a full hearing.

The case was led by ILS Senior Attorney Yuki Chang, Esq., who delivered precise legal strategy and execution at every stage—from evidence collection to courtroom filings—ultimately securing a hard-fought win for the client.

Building the Case One Step at a Time: A Strategic Evidence Battle

Many people assume that litigation is all about making arguments in court—but in reality, the hardest part often lies in securing the evidence. In defamation cases especially, defendants may go to great lengths to hide or destroy key records, leaving plaintiffs unsure of what was said or who received the damaging statements.

When ILS first took on the case, the situation was complex: critical information was missing, the defendant repeatedly evaded discovery, and available evidence was fragmented and unclear. As Senior Attorney Yuki Chang, Esq. recalled, “We knew from the start this would be a tough fight. But with the right methods and a steady approach, there’s always a way to break through.”

From day one, the ILS team focused on identifying openings in the scattered records and strategically used a Motion to Compel to push for disclosure. They argued successfully in court that, although the defendant claimed certain chat logs with third parties were private, the content was directly related to the defamation claims and had to be disclosed. The judge agreed—ordering a preliminary review of the communications and ultimately requiring the defendant to hand over a first batch of critical documents.

This breakthrough marked a turning point. As the case entered its substantive phase, Attorney Chang guided the transition from evidence gathering to establishing liability—carefully navigating each step to move the case toward a decisive resolution.

Phase Two: From Defense to Offense—Securing Summary Judgment with Precision

Once the initial round of evidence was firmly established, ILS shifted strategies and went on the offensive. Lead attorney Yuki Chang, Esq. promptly filed a Motion for Summary Adjudication (MSA)—a legal procedure that allows the court to decide key issues of liability without proceeding to a full trial.

“We determined that the timing was right to ask the court for a clear ruling on defamation liability,” Attorney Chang explained. “This not only saved time and cost, but also created immediate procedural pressure—forcing the other side to consider early settlement.”

Attorney Chang and her team carefully structured the MSA filing, organizing the full set of core evidence with precision and anticipating every possible defense the opposing party might raise. Each was addressed and refuted within the motion. The result was a compelling, comprehensive submission.

Before the formal hearing even began, the court issued a preliminary ruling in favor of the plaintiff. Despite the defendant’s objections during the hearing, the court upheld its decision—finding that the defendant had committed written defamation with actual malice, and that the case met the legal standard for Defamation Per Se. As a result, the defamation portion of the case was resolved in the plaintiff’s favor without needing to proceed to trial.

With both facts and liability now legally established, the case will move into its next phase: addressing remaining claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, unjust enrichment, and damages across multiple categories, including emotional harm, professional impact, and medical expenses.

Key Takeaways: What Should Employers Do When Facing Defamation Risk?

Attorney Yuki Chang advises: “For many business owners and employers, the instinctive reaction to false or malicious statements by employees, ex-employees, or competitors is to stay silent or avoid confrontation. But this case shows that—with the right legal strategy—it’s entirely possible to fight back, use the law as your shield, and actively protect your reputation.”

When facing defamation, preserving evidence, executing the right strategy, and controlling the legal process are often far more effective than hoping the problem will go away. Taking decisive legal action early can help businesses secure the upper hand and avoid prolonged litigation.

This win reflects ILS’s broader approach: we don’t just offer legal representation—we design outcome-driven strategies that help clients achieve the most impactful results with the least legal cost.

If your business is facing legal challenges related to employment issues, reputation management, or cross-border commercial disputes, contact the ILS team at contact@consultils.com. We deliver fast, professional, and practical legal solutions to help employers stay in control and achieve real results.

Disclaimer: The materials provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided here. Please consult with your own legal counsel regarding your specific situation and legal questions.

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As Managing Partner at ILS, Richard Liu ranks among the leading U.S. attorneys in corporate, employment, and regulatory law. He is known for crafting legal strategies aligned with clients’ business objectives and advising Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives on corporate transactions, financing, privacy, and employment matters across the technology, healthcare, and financial sectors.

Before founding ILS, Richard practiced at top defense firms, where he developed a reputation for anticipating risks and designing strategies that balance protection with growth. He has secured favorable outcomes in contract and intellectual property disputes, represented clients in state and federal courts, and is recognized for combining large-firm expertise with boutique-firm agility. Richard is also a frequent speaker at industry and legal conferences.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949

Yuki is a litigation senior counsel licensed to practice in both New York and California, with extensive experience in dynamic investigations and complex defense matters. Her practice focuses on personal injury, insurance defense, and construction defect litigation, where she is known for developing efficient, multidimensional strategies.

Before joining ILS, Yuki practiced in both New York and Los Angeles, gaining comprehensive experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Since 2020, she has concentrated on insurance defense and construction disputes, recognized for her thorough investigations and precise legal analysis. Since joining ILS in 2023, she has continued to provide clients with strategic, experience-driven litigation support.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949