Everyone should have access to
legal protection

For over 50 years, we've made legal services more accessible and affordable. We connect members with trusted, experienced lawyers, but without a huge bill. Hello peace of mind.

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Our Solutions

LegalShield logo in white on a purple background.
LegalShield

Affordable access to trusted lawyers through a predictable monthly membership. Legal help without high hourly fees.

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IDShield logo.
IDShield

Identity protection with monitoring, alerts, and licensed investigators who help you restore your identity if it's stolen.

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FEATURED IN
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CNBC logo.
Fortune logo.
Newsweek logo.
MarketWatch logo.
Business Insider logo.
Vintage black-and-white photo of an overturned car beside a rural road as onlookers watch.

Our story

In 1969, Oklahoma insurance salesman Harland Stonecipher was involved in a car accident. Although he was not at fault, he struggled to afford the legal fees that followed. He believed others should not face the same burden.

Three years later, he founded Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., pioneering a network of law firms built around that belief.

Today, LegalShield serves 4.5 million individuals and 140,000 businesses across North America. Harland’s mission continues to guide us.

A law firm in your corner

LegalShield provides affordable access to legal help. Members have 24/7 access for covered emergencies and our prepaid subscription model means that lawyers focus on service, not billing.

LegalShield headquarters office building with glass facade glowing at sunset in Ada, Oklahoma.

Our History

Vintage Sportsmen's Motor Club ad promising 24 hour protection wherever you travel, with a car illustration.
1972

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

Vintage photo of a speaker at a podium onstage with two seated men beneath a Welcome banner.
1976

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

Wall Street street sign mounted on a lamppost in front of a stone building in New York City.
1984

PPLSI’s initial public offering is listed on NASDAQ.

Wide view of a busy American Stock Exchange trading floor with traders at lit booths.
1986

PPLSI moves to the American Stock Exchange.

Businessman in a suit standing beside a bronze Lady Justice statue holding scales, before law books.
1987

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

Black-and-white photo of people on the New York Stock Exchange balcony under listing banners on May 13.
1990

The company moves to the New York Stock Exchange.

Close-up of a fountain pen nib writing flowing cursive script on lined paper in warm light.
1995

PPLSI develops its first small business plan.

People walking through the bright open atrium of a large transit hall with white ribbed architecture.
1998

PPLSI acquires The People’s Network.

Smiling executive in a suit standing apart from a large staff group posed outside a capitol building.
2000

PPLSI passes the 1 million membership milestone.

Modern multi-story office complex with glass towers set on a landscaped green campus.
2003

PPLSI opens a new $30 million home office complex.

LegalShield logo.
2011

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

Hands holding a tablet showing the LegalShield app home screen with a Sign Up Now button.
2014

The company’s first member app is unveiled.

IDShield logo.
2015

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

LegalShield website homepage on a screen showing legal protection messaging and call-to-action buttons.
2017

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

LegalShield en Espanol logo with shield emblem on a light background.
2018

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

Close-up of a computer circuit board with processor chips, representing investments in technology.
2020

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

Two smartphones on a dark background showing the LegalShield app with legal help screens.
2021

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

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*See your plan contract for details. Additional fees, limitations, and waiting periods may apply.