The History of LegalShield: Empowering People with Affordable Legal Protection for Over 50 Years

LegalShield, a pioneer in the legal services industry, has been providing individuals, families, and businesses with affordable legal protection for over 52 years. Founded in 1972, the company has evolved into a leading provider of legal service plans, with millions of customers in the United States and Canada. Here’s a look at the history of LegalShield and its journey to becoming one of the most trusted names in the legal services space.

The Beginning: A Vision to Make Legal Help Accessible

LegalShield’s journey began in 1972, when founder Harland C. Stonecipher saw a significant gap in the legal market. Harland recognized that access to legal assistance was often too expensive and out of reach for many people. His vision was simple: to make legal help affordable, accessible, and understandable for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Harland created a subscription-based legal plan that allowed individuals to get legal advice and representation without paying high hourly fees. This innovative model quickly gained traction, and soon, the company began expanding to serve more people across the U.S.

Early Growth and Expansion: The Launch of the Legal Services Plan

In the 1970s, LegalShield began offering affordable legal services through a network of provider law firms, which were carefully vetted to ensure quality service. The concept of a membership that offered unlimited legal consultations, document reviews, and other services was revolutionary. This model allowed people to have access to professional legal advice whenever needed, without the worry of high bills or costly hourly fees.

By the early 1980s, LegalShield had grown significantly, expanding its reach and increasing the number of members. As the company’s influence grew, it began offering services to small businesses, allowing entrepreneurs and business owners to have the legal support they needed to navigate complex legal challenges.

Rebranding and Innovation: The Evolution to LegalShield

In 1999, the company underwent a major rebranding, changing its name from PrePaid Legal Services, Inc. to LegalShield. This shift in branding reflected the company’s broader mission and vision for the future. The name change also aligned with the company’s mission to provide legal services and protection to people across all aspects of life, from personal legal matters to business-related legal needs.

The rebranding marked the beginning of an era of innovation for LegalShield. Over the years, the company introduced a variety of new services, such as identity theft protection through IDShield, a unique offering that provided members with tools to safeguard their personal information. These innovations set LegalShield apart from competitors, making it a leader in the legal services space.

Adapting to Changing Times: Digital Transformation

As the digital age progressed, LegalShield embraced technology to better serve its growing customer base. The company developed mobile apps that allowed members to access legal help directly from their phones. Through these apps, members could easily contact their provider law firms, request legal documents, and even get advice on the go.

LegalShield also recognized the importance of providing comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The company’s business plans included services such as business incorporation, contract review, and employment law consultations, helping business owners navigate the complexities of running a company.

Continued Growth: Serving Millions

Today, LegalShield serves over 4.4 million members and works with more than 40 provider law firms across North America. The company continues to expand, offering new products and services, all designed to make legal protection accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.

LegalShield has also built a strong community of independent associates who sell LegalShield memberships and share the company’s mission of empowering people with the legal resources they need. Through its network of associates, LegalShield has created countless business opportunities for individuals interested in becoming part of the company’s growing team.

LegalShield’s Mission: Making Legal Help Accessible for All

The heart of LegalShield’s success lies in its unwavering mission to provide affordable legal access to everyone. With its 52-year legacy, LegalShield has helped countless people with issues like identity theft protection, family law matters, business consultations, and estate planning. The company’s model has democratized legal services, helping individuals take control of their legal issues without the financial burden of traditional law firms.

Looking to the Future

As LegalShield continues to innovate and grow, the company is focused on expanding access to justice and finding new ways to help its members protect their rights. From small business owners to families, LegalShield is committed to supporting its customers with top-notch legal protection and identity security, ensuring that people’s legal needs are always met.

With a track record of 52 years of service, LegalShield is more committed than ever to empowering its members with the peace of mind they deserve. Whether you’re seeking legal advice, identity protection, or business consultation, LegalShield is here to ensure that you have the resources you need to succeed.