LegalShield

LegalShield

formerly Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

 1.9/5 (38 reviews)
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About LegalShield

LegalShield works with a network of lawyers that can offer legal advice and help with a variety of legal issues. It operates everywhere in the U.S. and across all of Canada, and assistance is available 24/7 for certain emergency situations. LegalShield generally works on a monthly membership basis, and plans are available for individuals, families and businesses.

Overall Satisfaction Rating

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Pros

  • Serves individuals and businesses
  • Unlimited legal advice
  • No retainer fee needed
  • 24/7 emergency legal assistance

Cons

  • Limited services in Massachusetts

Bottom Line

LegalShield partners with law firms to offer assistance with everything from speeding tickets to court representation. However, not every situation is covered by your monthly membership fee, so be prepared for other costs.

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Rated with 5 stars
Verified

I've had the LegalShield membership since 1998. It helps me make better wiser decisions when it comes to my family and Home-based business. I've saved thousands in consulting, doc...

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Rated with 5 stars
Verified

I was in a situation where my family attorney couldn’t help me fast enough. A friend referred me to LS, and they saved me from being taken advantage of by an insurance company. My...

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What is LegalShield?

While LegalShield itself is not a law firm, it offers people and businesses legal advice and protection through its network of nearly 40 provider law firms and more than 900 lawyers. LegalShield has been in business for over 40 years, and it has helped more than 4.5 million members.

Because services are based on your membership plan, you can get help with an unlimited number of legal matters in return for a flat monthly rate. That means there are no retainer fees, and you don’t need to pay lawyers separately unless your needs go beyond what’s included in your plan. If you do need services outside of your plan benefits, you get a 25% discount off your lawyer’s standard hourly rate.

How does LegalShield work?

Getting started with LegalShield is a simple process. You first sign up for a monthly membership and set up your account online. Then, all you have to do is download the company’s Apple or Android app and use it to call your law firm, request emergency help, submit traffic tickets, get documents started or take care of your other legal needs.

LegalShield does the work of matching you to an accomplished law firm within your state. From there, you’ll work with one of its qualified lawyers to get help with your legal matters.

While you’ll always work with the same law firm, you might not always work with the same attorney. This isn’t necessarily surprising, though. Even within a single firm, different lawyers will often have different areas of expertise.

LegalShield membership

LegalShield membership gives you access to legal help in exchange for a monthly fee. Members can get unlimited legal advice, so you can call your law firm without worrying about going over a certain amount of time or number of calls.

LegalShield membership includes help with:

  • Consumer finance issues
  • Documents and contracts
  • Estate planning
  • Family law and divorce
  • Landlord/tenant issues
  • Ride-share and delivery issues
  • Letters and calls
  • Real estate
  • Starting a business
  • Traffic violations and accidents
  • Civil trial defense

If you need legal services not included in your membership plan, like representation in criminal court, you get a 25% discount off your attorney’s standard hourly rate.

Membership also includes perks like savings of up to 50% from company partners such as Verizon, Costco and Amazon. In total, discounts are available from more than 500 brands.

LegalShield plans

LegalShield offers several different membership plans.

The LegalShield Personal Plan starts at $29.95 a month ($24.95 in Massachusetts) and is designed for individuals and families looking for legal advice. The plan includes:
  • Unlimited consulting
  • Speeding ticket assistance
  • Unlimited contract reviews (up to 15 pages each)
  • Will preparation
  • Living will preparation
  • Durable power of attorney preparation
  • Uncontested adoption representation
  • Trial defense in civil suits
  • Uncontested divorce or separation representation
  • Uncontested name change assistance
  • IRS audit services
  • Residential loan document assistance
  • Protection for consumer law matters

You can add on to your Personal Legal Plan with various supplements, such as the:

  • Home Business Supplement: Covers business matters and adds unlimited business consultations and legal reviews for four contracts or documents per month. You also get IRS audit legal services for your home business.
  • Trial Defense Supplement: Adds pre-trial and trial defense hours to the Personal Legal Plan.
  • Gun Owner Supplement: Provides legal protection and consultation for firearm-related incidents and topics. With this supplement, you can also get one NFA trust for an additional flat fee of $250.
  • Ride Share and Delivery Driver Supplement: Provides legal services for moving violations, accidents and vehicle damage and IRS audit services for ride-sharing or delivery matters.
Small Business Legal Plans connect your business with a provider law firm to help with a variety of issues, including advice, consultation, research, collection letters and document reviews.

LegalShield has three different plans for small businesses:

  • Small Business Legal Essentials costs $49 per month.
  • Small Business Legal Plus costs $99 per month.
  • Small Business Legal Pro costs $169 per month.

The plans mostly differ by how often the services can be used. For instance, Small Business Legal Essentials includes 10 document reviews per year for documents up to 15 pages long, while Small Business Legal Pro includes 40 document reviews per year for documents up to 25 pages long. The Plus and Pro level plans also include flat-fee services, IRS audit legal services and interstate services, which are not included in the Essentials plan.

LegalShield also offers employment benefits that include online, legal and identity theft protection. You need to request a proposal to find out pricing information, though. LegalShield claims there are over 30,000 companies of all sizes providing these services to employees.

The Commercial Drivers Legal Plan is designed for licensed commercial drivers looking for representation and coverage, and it starts at $32.95 a month.

This plan includes:

  • Coverage for your spouse
  • Assistance with licensing and loss of driving privileges
  • Traffic accident representation
  • Moving violations defense
  • Department of Transportation and nonmoving violations defense
  • Collecting property damage and personal injury claims (2.5 hours of lawyer time)
  • 25% discount off lawyer hourly rates for transportation-related legal issues outside of core plan benefits
  • Discounts from popular brands
LegalShield also offers an identity theft protection plan through its product IDShield. This plan helps individuals, families and businesses looking for identity theft protection.

LegalShield cost

LegalShield pricing varies depending on which type of plan you choose:

  • Personal legal plans cost $29.95 a month in most areas ($24.95 in Massachusetts), and add-ons start at $14.95 per month.
  • Plans for small businesses are either $49, $99 or $169 per month.

Under both types of memberships, legal fees not included in the monthly price are discounted at 25% off your lawyer’s hourly rate. According to LegalShield, an independent attorney charges an average of $150 to $400 an hour, meaning getting help through LegalShield could be a big money saver.

Entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses can also use LegalShield for help. Launch by LegalShield costs $149 plus state filing fees.

FAQ

Is LegalShield the same as Prepaid Legal?

LegalShield used to be called Prepaid Legal, but it changed its name back in 2011.

How do I cancel my LegalShield subscription?

Members can cancel their LegalShield subscription at any time by calling, emailing or sending a written letter.

Will LegalShield hold up in court?

There’s no way to guarantee the outcome of a court’s decision. However, the more than 900 attorneys in LegalShield's network average 22 years of experience each, and the company itself has been building relationships with law firms across the U.S. and Canada for the last 49 years. LegalShield screens each law firm it works with, and it monitors firms daily.

Does LegalShield cover criminal cases?

LegalShield members can call their lawyer for advice on criminal cases or to request a review of documents related to a criminal case. These services are covered under your monthly fee.

If you need to be represented in criminal court, you can hire your lawyer for a 25% discount off their standard hourly rate.

Is LegalShield worth it?

LegalShield is likely worth it if you frequently need to consult an attorney and are looking for a more budget-friendly option. Like with most subscriptions, you’ll want to balance your monthly payment against how often you actually need the services in question (and what they’ll normally cost you) to see if membership makes sense for you. If you don’t need legal services often, the price might not be worth it — but if you have a recurring need for legal services, getting help through LegalShield could save you a lot of money.

LegalShield Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Rated with 5 stars
Verified Reviewer
Original review: Dec. 13, 2022

I’ve sincerely had the best experience with LegalShield. I was connected with the most caring lawyers that really helped my family and I. This really gives me a peace and protection to know that I get the help that I need by just the press of an app/button. They’re also just a phone call away! This is worth having for such a small amount monthly for my personal and business needs. Thanks LegalShield for making this available!! <3

LegalShield response

Andrea, thank you for the five-star review. We couldn't agree with you more. From accessible legal advice to identity theft restoration, we are proud to empower every member to get the help they need when they need it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for being a valued member.

2 people found this review helpful
Rated with 5 stars
Verified Reviewer
Original review: Dec. 12, 2022

I have contacted the law firm on dozens of occasions to get advice and have spoken to a wide variety of attorneys on many different subjects. Their response has been courteous, they have called me back promptly and offered great solutions. They have written letters and reviewed contracts for me. The letters especially have helped get money back in situations I thought were hopeless. It is nice to know that I have these lawyers looking out for my best interests!

LegalShield response

Phil, Thank you for the five-star review. We are happy to hear that our team provides you with top-notch service. With LegalShield, our members can live more and worry less, knowing that they have the power of their LegalShield Law Firm in the palm of their hand. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We want you to know that we value your membership.

6 people found this review helpful

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 11, 2022

    LegalShield is a great company for people that have legal issues or would just like to have thing your will and other legal matters. My husband and I have been a part of Legalshield for 9+ years and we have been pleased with their services. One instance is we had just bought a van and the dealership was taking forever to get us our permanent tag and my husband got tired of waiting and contacted LegalShield. In 4hrs. we had an attorney calling asking what we wanted done. They wrote a letter on our behalf to the dealership and 24-48 hours we had our tags plus about $270 back for the taxes we paid for the van.

    LegalShield response

    Yulonda, thank you for the positive review of your experience as a valued member of LegalShield! With LegalShield, you can live more and worry less, knowing that you have the power of a law firm behind you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

    4 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 24, 2022

    Prior to the "Great Pandemic" I had built up a company I had started in 2007 and we were making money in construction. By the end of 2021 it was obvious things weren't getting better anytime soon. Between customers failing to pay, investment capital holding up new projects, and supply chain issues driving up the cost of materials, I was in way over my head. After spending an entire year just paying the interest on personal debt I finally joined LegalShield and had a conversation with Randy ** in the Tacoma office.

    Randy was patient and listened intently as we went through all the different facets. Initially he advised me against going through with it due to various reasons. Since there was a slim chance things could work out. He pointed out some indicators to watch for as time went on. Six months later events caused the indicators to manifest, and when I contacted him again to explain, he agreed to proceed. They sent some questionnaires and after I filled them out Randy and I spoke several times and at great length. His paralegal, Amy, is a living angel. There were a total of 56 pages in the final Chapter 7 filing. I was amazed at her friendly and supportive help getting through some of the sections, and the huge amount of work sorting everything out into the correct category.

    Randy was very informative, taking the time to make sure I understood my exact standing, what to expect, and a very honest view of what the most probable outcome would be for me. The key is honesty. If you are straightforward with them, they will be the same. Don't try to hide anything, they are not there to judge you, they are only interested in helping.

    My bankruptcy was filed 12/31/2021 and discharged in May of 2022. Is it painless? No, there are rules, and you just can't cheat. But I can promise that if you are lucky enough to wind up with Randy ** as your attorney the process will be surprisingly low stress, and that 10 ton weight that's been crushing you will suddenly be gone. It will then be up to you to build your new life without feeling like you're drowning in debt every day. I've never left a review like this for anyone before, but then, no one has ever earned my admiration like the Randy and Amy team at Legal Shield, Tacoma.

    LegalShield response

    Brian, we are so thankful to hear about your experience and success utilizing your membership benefits! We couldn't agree more with you; finding solutions to your legal issues does not have to be complicated or expensive. We are proud that our valued members just like yourself can live more and worry less, knowing they have a power of a law firm on their side. Thank you for choosing LegalShield!

    3 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 18, 2022

    I submitted a document I needed to sign through the LegalShield app. and requested that a Lawyer review it for any red flags. A Lawyer called me and assured me there was nothing of concern in the document but also made sure I understood everything it said and any possible consequences of my signing it. This was way easier than my reading it and attempting to understand all the legal jargon in the document... and it did not cost any extra beyond the low monthly subscription fee.

    LegalShield response

    Sheryl, we are so glad to hear about the success you've had utilizing your membership benefits. We’re building a future where every person can live without worrying about how they’ll afford legal services or respond to identity theft. We put more power in people’s hands by using technology that can make justice and online security accessible to everyone. Thank you for the wonderful feedback and for choosing LegalShield!

    3 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 12, 2023

    I contacted Deming Parker about a consumer issue in 2018. They wrote a dispute letter....six months late. However, I'm now currently being sued (defendant) for those false charges in a case for money owed. Deming wants a $600 retainer to defend me in court. I have defensive services with almost 300 hours of trial hours and 5 hours pretrial. Aside from the prior dispute which was ignored, these charges have reached statute of limitations. This is only a portion of the problems I have had with this service. I have been in a loophole with resolutions department for a year. I rarely can get to lawyers to properly use my legal services. They rarely return my calls appropriately...sometimes late in the evening...or days later...or never at all. I've asked for a lawyer that doesn't charge a retainer for defensive services....as they advertise. It's been more than six months; they just ignore me and won't budge. Is there any talks of class action?

    LegalShield response

    Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We are disappointed to hear that information was not communicated well and that you found it challenging to obtain the clear support you needed. We aim to provide the best customer service possible, and for our lawyers to provide members with the most successful outcome for their legal matters while adhering to the benefits provided with the membership. We hope you’ll give us another chance to show you the service we’re truly capable of providing. We would like the opportunity to investigate this further to help bring a resolution. To do so, we need a bit more of your information. Please submit our Attorney Service Concern Form at https://legalshield.typeform.com/to/pSnMnF, and a member of our team will reach out to you directly. Thank you.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Resolution In ProgressRated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 6, 2023

    Updated on 03/13/2023: Being on a phone hold for 20 minutes, an EXCALATION SPECIALIST, SELINA, came on the line, and said the SAME THING. 'LEGALSHIELD (per contract) can cancel anyone's membership for reasons only they know and cannot disclose... or for no reason at all'. She said she could send me a copy of the contract. From this point on, I don't believe I will be signing my name to anything...maybe my tax return...that's it. This continues to be amusing to me, and the people who get a salary at LEGALSHIELD must be so embarrassed when speaking with customers who have legitimate complaints...that... THAT'S THE WAY IT GOES. GOOD RIDDANCE TO LEGALSHIELD AND YOUR 'REPRESENTATIVES'.

    Original Review: I have been a Legal Shield member for 11 years, paying $32 a month...that comes to roughly $4,000.00. I rarely have used their service, and have asked & gotten 2 demand letters written in 11 years. My last inquiry never received a call back, as the usual protocol is a 'lawyer' calls within 24 hours to discuss your issue. Recently in February 2023, I received a letter advising me that my 'MEMBERSHIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED' with no explanation or signature of whoever wrote the letter. I called headquarters in Oklahoma, and was told to call my local law firm associated with LS, RIGGS, ABNEY, NEAL, TURPIN in Denver, Colorado to find out the reason.

    I was given the answer... "Management has made the decision to cancel your membership, and we are not allowed to disclose the reason for opting you out." After trying calling 'corporate' again, I got a rude, surly male agent who hung up on me because I asked to speak to his supervisor. My monthly payments were auto-withdrawal, so payments were never missed. To this day, I still don't know why I was cancelled. Guessing 'all things happen for a reason', this must be a sign....guess they didn't want my $32 a month.

    Legal Shield has low creditability according to members' reviews... 2 stars. I see in CONSUMER AFFAIRS that LS responds to reviews saying they will 'look into the matter and get a resolve'. I will be anxious to read their reply to find out why, mysteriously, I was cancelled. My recruiter was no help, either....he tried calling corporate on my behalf, but couldn't get an answer. He told me they told him for me to call the local firm for the reason. Playing 'PASS THE BUCK' is not my idea of Customer Service @ corporate headquarters not responding to a legit question.

    **SIGN UP KNOWING YOU MAY BE CANCELLED FOR NO REASON. Competition exists, and the company I chose for protection for identity theft has 4 stars, and a good rating with BBB unlike Legal Shield....a company not respected enough to get only 2 stars from disappointed members. I feel there may be a possibility their 'lawyers'... as well as the Customer Service agents I spoke with, could be failures who weren't able to get a better job, and ended up with Legal Shield. I guess 'GOOD RIDDANCE' to Legal Shield, too!!

    LegalShield response

    Barbara, we understand your concern, and we would like to provide some clarification. Though it is rare, there are some reasons a membership may be canceled per company option, whether by PPLSI or a PPLSI Provider Law Firm. This information can be found in any membership contract as well as online at: http://contracts.legalshield.com/contracts/LSESSOK.821.pdf. When a membership is canceled per company option, PPLSI notifies the member by a dated and signed letter, explaining the matter, and advising if any refund will be processed. If the Company cancels the Contract, Services will only be provided for those events reported in writing to the Provider Law Firm during the Eligibility Period. As a mission-based company dedicated to protecting and empowering people with the tools and services needed to affordably live a just and secure life, this option is not taken lightly and is only implemented when necessary.

    We can understand how this may be upsetting. If you feel that this decision was made by error, please contact our Member Service Management team at (800)-654-7757 between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday, and we would be happy to provide further details if possible.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 2, 2023

    They took money without talking on the phone. Lawyer provided with options and said I would be contacted within 48 hours. When 2 weeks passed I contacted to get an update and this time I stated I wanted account cancelled. Come Mar 1, 4 months after I found they had still been taking money. There was no follow up by the company to see if I had been contacted or why I was cancelling. So to me they were stealing funds without saying a word. Today when I called the first lady did not want to speak to me, so she sent me to a new lady and now it's all done by email. Me calling to cancel and verifying who I was. Apparently is not a verified way, but an email from an address saying cancel is a great way to get 4 months free money. I can see how they have a rating of 2.

    LegalShield response

    Darren, thank you for the feedback. We're sorry to hear that you feel our services were not beneficial to your needs. Please note, as stated on our website as well as in our membership contracts, cancellations must be provided in writing. The easiest way to do so is by emailing us at support@legalshieldcorp.com with your name, membership number, phone number, and your request to cancel the membership. All cancelations are processed, and refunds are reviewed by management in the order received. Thank you.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 18, 2023

    I have been a LegalShield member for around 5 years. I used them to file for divorce which went smoothly. However when I needed additional legal services, the company failed to deliver. Recently I needed document review (something they tout they can do) but it turns out only certain documents can be reviewed. I needed to file contempt of court on someone and they told me they cannot review legal documents related to petitions, complaints, or requests for motion…they wanted me to hire a lawyer for their discounted rate (2500 mind you).

    At best this company is a referral service to get you a whopping 25% discount on hiring a lawyer. They really need to educate their reps better because after they said I could not have my documents reviewed I called to cancel my membership and the rep I spoke to told me they could in fact look at documents and referred me back to my law firm. So they called and told me again they can’t look at my documents but they’d be happy to refer me to a lawyer who will charge me 2500 to file 6 pieces of paperwork. All in all I would not recommend. You don’t need a middle man to find a lawyer, you can Google, call around and find a lawyer for the same price that their ‘discount’ provides. I’m so disappointed I’ve wasted so much money on a service that ended up being useless.

    LegalShield response

    Katheryn, thank you for the feedback. We are sorry you feel our services were not beneficial for your needs. Understanding the full benefits of your LegalShield Membership is important. We have systems and resources in place for members to notify us if they are not satisfied with the services provided. We encourage all members with questions about their specific membership benefits or service complaints to contact LegalShield Member Services at (800)-654-7757 between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday, or via our LegalShield app, where assistance from our Member Services Team and your Provider Law Firm is just a tap of the app away.

    6 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    profile pic of the author
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 7, 2023

    I’ve paid monthly premium dues for 3 years. The first time I call for legal advice they say they can’t help me. At a time when you need the service the most you feel taken advantage of by the people that are suppose to be there to help you!

    LegalShield response
    Cory, Thanks for your feedback. We're disappointed that you feel our services did not meet your needs. Our experienced network of provider lawyers is dedicated to assisting our members with their legal issues. They will work diligently to give you the right legal advice and actionable steps to take while strictly following our membership contract of benefits.

    Understanding your membership benefits is important. We have systems and resources in place for members to notify us if they are not satisfied with the services provided. We encourage all members with questions about their specific membership benefits or service complaints to contact our LegalShield Member Services at (800)-654-7757 or via chat at www.legalshield.com between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday or via our LegalShield app, where assistance from our Member Services Team and your Provider Law Firm is just a tap of the app away.

    4 people found this review helpful
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    LegalShield Company Information

    Company Name:
    LegalShield
    Company Type:
    Private
    Year Founded:
    1972
    Formerly Named:
    Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
    Address:
    1 Prepaid Way
    City:
    Ada
    State/Province:
    OK
    Postal Code:
    74820
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.pplsi.com