Skip to main content

Inspired by accident, disruptive by design

Discover how a car crash led to the creation of PPLSI, which is now a leading legal and identity protection platform.

Pioneer.
Disruptor.
Trailblazer.

After our founder, Harland Stonecipher, had to spend his personal savings to defend himself in a civil suit following an automobile accident that wasn’t his fault, he decided there had to be a better way. In 1972, Harland founded PPLSI to ensure that everyone — regardless of personal fortune — could have equal access to equal justice under the law. For 50 years, we’ve pushed that mission forward, constantly evolving to keep up with changing technology and the needs of our members.

Key moments in our history

1972

Harland Stonecipher founds the Sportsman’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

PPLSI 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

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