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”