ILS Secures TRO for Prominent Los Angeles Restaurant to Stop Former Employee’s Harassment and $800,000 Extortion Attempt
- Zoe Zhang
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 21
Innovative Legal Services (ILS) recently secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on behalf of Noodle Art, a well-known Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles, to stop a former employee’s ongoing harassment and unfounded $800,000 demand. Attorneys Richard Q. Liu and Guiting Lu led the legal effort, acting quickly to protect the restaurant's business and staff.
After being terminated for poor performance, the former employee repeatedly entered the restaurant without authorization, harassing staff and customers. He also used social media platforms such as WeChat and TikTok to post threatening and defamatory statements about the restaurant and its owner, and made an unreasonable claim demanding $800,000 in alleged compensation. These actions caused significant disruption to the restaurant’s operations and reputation.
On Saturday, June 14, Attorneys Liu and Lu accompanied the restaurant owner at a press conference to share updates on the case. The event received coverage from major Chinese-language and mainstream media outlets. During the press conference, Attorney Liu emphasized the importance for business owners to understand their legal rights and act decisively to protect their businesses from unlawful conduct.

Key Takeaways for Employers
Avoid “Gray Zone” Hiring Risks: Always verify employee identity and work authorization before hiring. Ensure complete and accurate documentation to reduce the risk of future disputes or liabilities.
Establish a Legally Compliant HR Framework: Use written employment agreements that clearly define job duties, compensation, and employment terms. Maintain records such as attendance, payroll, and performance evaluations as evidence in case of future disputes.
Take Prompt Legal Action Against Threats or Harassment: If your business faces threats, harassment, or extortion, contact law enforcement and legal counsel immediately. A TRO can be a powerful tool to quickly protect your business, employees, and family.
If you need assistance with employment management or labor disputes, please contact the ILS team at contact@consultils.com. We are committed to delivering prompt, strategic legal solutions to safeguard your business and ensure long-term compliance.
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.

Richard Liu, Esq. is the Managing Counsel of ILS. He serves clients as a management-side defense lawyer specializing in employment and business litigation. Richard is also an expert on litigation prevention and compliance. He regularly advises Fortune 500 companies and startups on employment, labor, and commercial matters.
Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949
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