Who We Are & Our Story
Affordable legal access
for all
Our mission for over 50 years.
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 or your family can live your lives worry free.
Even better, you don’t have to worry about figuring out which lawyer to use—we’ll do that for you.
Who we are & 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. (“PPLSI”).
Harland pioneered the idea of a proprietary 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, with over 1.7 million members and provider law firms across North America.
“[My provider lawyer] was very professional and gave me complete information for a protection order that the provincial court, deputy council and the Justice Access Centre did not give me. I am grateful for this service.”
Michelle A. O.
—Canadian Member
“As one of the first companies in North America to provide legal expense plans to consumers, we are currently protecting and empowering more than 4.1 million lives across the U.S. and Canada. And with over 650 employees dedicated to serving you, our promise remains the same: to provide outstanding legal services by quality law firms at an affordable price.”
—LegalShsield Member
Learn more about LegalShield
Everyone deserves legal protection
At LegalShield, we’ve been offering legal plans to our members for over 40 years, creating a world where everyone can access legal protection and lawyers —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 and lawyers for any issue.
From real estate to speeding tickets to will preparation, and beyond, lawyers are here to help you with any personal legal matter—no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Dedicated law firms are focused on serving you.
Don’t just take our word for it.
