Affordable, Accessible Legal Services for Everyone

LegalShield gives you the ability to talk to a lawyer on any personal legal matter without worrying about high hourly costs. That’s why, under the protection of LegalShield, "you and your family can live your lives worry free. Even better, there are lawyers in your area, where you live or work. You also don’t have to worry about figuring out which lawyer to use—we’ll do that for you.

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Our story

In 1969, an Oklahoma insurance salesman named Harland Stonecipher was in a car accident. Even though he was not at fault, Harland had trouble paying the expensive legal fees from the accident. He did not want others to be caught in the same financial predicament. Three years later, Harland became the founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

Harland pioneered the idea of a network of law firms that makes legal representation accessible and affordable. For 40 years, Harland led his company from a one-room operation to being listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1999. Today, this vision of affordable quality legal services is known as LegalShield. Although Harland passed away in November of 2014, LegalShield is stronger than ever, serving 4.5 million individuals and 140,000 business across North America.

Our promise

As one of the first companies in North America to provide legal expense plans to consumers, we are currently protecting and empowering 4.5 million individuals and 140,000 businesses across North America. And with over 700 employees dedicated to serving you, our promise remains the same: to provide outstanding legal services by quality law firms at an affordable price.

Everyone deserves legal protection

At LegalShield, we’ve been offering legal plans to people and businesses for 52years, creating a world where everyone can access legal protection—and everyone can afford it. Unexpected legal questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have access to a quality law firm 24/7, for covered personal situations.

From real estate to speeding tickets to Will preparation, and beyond, we’re here to help you with any personal legal matter—no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Because our dedicated law firms are prepaid, their sole focus is on serving you, rather than billing you.

Key moments in our history

1972

Harland Stonecipher founds the Sportsmen’s Motor Club in Ada, Oklahoma

1976

The company is incorporated as Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

1984

PPLSI’s initial public offering is listed on NASDAQ

1986

PPLSI moves to the American Stock Exchange

1987

The company introduces its Provider Law Firm network to connect members with local, specialized lawyers

1990

The company moves to the New York Stock Exchange

1995

PPLSI develops its first small business plan

1998

PPLSI acquires The People’s Network

2000

PPLSI passes the 1 million membership milestone

2003

PPLSI opens a new $30 million home office complex

2011

The company is acquired by MidOcean Partners for $650 million; name changed to LegalShield

2014

The company’s first member app is unveiled

2015

PPLSI officially rebrands its identity theft plan as IDShield to meet members’ identity protection needs

2017

The company’s direct-to-consumer website is introduced

2018

Begins offering LegalShield en español and launches the largest Spanish-speaking lawyer network in the United States

2020

The company makes significant new investments in technology infrastructure, websites and analytics to better support our members and partners

2021

Launches a new app to provide members “a law firm in the palm of their hand”