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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.
Pros & Cons
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.
Featured Reviews
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...
Read full reviewI 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...
Read full reviewWhat 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.
- Personal Legal Plan
- 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
- 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.
- Commercial Drivers Legal Plan
- 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
- Identity Theft Plan
- 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
ConsumerAffairs has collected 1,503 reviews and 160 ratings.
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Reviewed July 13, 2023
I can't speak highly enough about my experiences with Legal Shield. 1) I had a Home Warranty issue, and the company did not want to reimburse me for repairs they authorized. I contacted my lawyers, they wrote a letter, and within 30 days I had my refund. 2) I had a Tenant issue that failed to follow the court order to reimburse me fees. Unfortunately, the Tenants moved states. Legal Shield referred me to a lawyer in the other state. The situation would have cost me additional fees, to enforce the court order, so it wasn't cost-effective, but the two law firms were great. 3) My lawyers have given me great advice for my business. They have reviewed contracts with other companies and even corrected some documents from the other company. Oh, don't forget about writing your last will and testament, at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
Patrick, thank you for the glowing review. We are delighted to hear about all the successful ways you are utilizing your membership benefits. From resolving speeding tickets and reviewing business documents to helping you prepare your Last Will and Testament, LegalShield transforms affordable legal services from a nice-to-have into a right-to-have. Thanks for being a valued member.
Reviewed 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
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.
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Reviewed 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!
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.
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2022
LegalShield has helped me with my business in multiple states. They filed my LLC for me and had it back to me within three business days. I’ve also had several questions about taxes, and various business matters, that they have assisted me with. I have found the attorneys to be kind, professional, experienced and quick to call me back. I feel I have received a tremendous value for the small amount I have paid.
We are thankful for your positive review. At LegalShield, we believe every individual and every business deserves access to affordable legal advice — from estate planning and protecting property investments to resolving traffic accidents and protecting business interests. Thank you for choosing LegalShield!
Reviewed 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.
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!
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2023
LegalShield and DSK law is the worst company, poor customer services, poor lawyer, both end of the company is horrible, waste money to poor quality of services, don’t not hire them, they change their name before and they were call something else and they horrible back them and they horrible now… Don't spend your money!!!
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.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2023
I have had LegalShield for approximately 5 years for both personal and business - roughly pay $70 a month. I have only used it twice for very minor things. A few days ago I called legal shield as I am a former police detective and martial artist. I read that the law on nunchucks was repealed in 2021 which I told the attorney. I wanted to know if it was legal to carry nunchucks concealed for self defense in CA. As crime is going wild in the area I live. I told the attorney that I am teaching a crime awareness class. She told me I cannot take the advice they give and teach a class with it because I am not an attorney. I said I know that. That is NOT the subject of my class as I am teaching a crime awareness class (all my brochures say I cannot give legal advice and to seek an attorney). She said she would get me some info in 3 days.
3 days later I received an e-mail showing me the legislature repealed the law on nunchucks in 2021. I called them back as THAT IS THE EXACT information I gave them! My question was can the nunchucks be carried legally concealed for self defense in CA. The attorney rudely said she would not give me that info as I am teaching a class and I cannot teach law. I said there is some mistake here....She quickly interrupted and said there is no mistake and that is all I am getting! As a former detective that dealt with organized crime defense attorneys I was surprised at the unprofessionalism here. She is supposed to be a real attorney. Needless to say, my account will be cancelled today. It is hard to believe they can be in business like this. I was a member for 5 years and never really used them. At least my eyes are open now - better late than never! Find a different provider.
Joe, thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We would like the opportunity to research this matter further. To do so, we need a bit more information. Please submit our Attorney Service Concern Form at https://legalshield.typeform.com/to/pSnMnF, and a team member will reach out to you directly.
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.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2023
One of customer service withdraw fee charges from my bank account after payment been paid one month. Now bank has charge bank account. That member shouldn't been add for additional fee. This has happen on other membership times. Want to be repaid for damage, emotional and mental distress. Due my limit income, LegalShield need stop abusing members.
Vivian, Thank you for bringing your concern to our attention. We would like to provide you with some clarification. LegalShield is a pre-paid monthly subscription service, and our members have the right to cancel at any time. Our memberships are designed to be charged on a monthly basis; members agree to these terms of our service upon signing up. If you have further questions or would like to speak to someone about your billing dispute to maintain your membership, please get in touch with our Member Service Team at (800)-654-7757 via our LegalShield app or chat at www.legalshield.com between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
If you would like to cancel your membership, per our company policy, all cancellation requests must be provided in writing. The easiest way to do so is by emailing us at support@legalshieldcorp.com with your name, membership number, and phone number and request to cancel the membership. If you need further assistance, our Member Service Team is standing by and ready to help. Thank you.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2023
Although I read the reviews here and other places, I still took a chance (I don't know why the price probably) to get matched with a horrible firm with incredibly low reviews online. I struggled activating account for several weeks and now dealing with the cancellation process. Please save your time and money!
We are sorry to hear that you are choosing to lose your affordable legal services. LegalShield is a pre-paid monthly subscription service, and our members have the right to cancel at any time. All cancellation requests 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. If you have further questions, want to verify that your request was received or would like to speak to someone directly on this matter, please get in touch with our Member Service Team at (800)-654-7757 via our LegalShield app, or chat at www.legalshield.com between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. Thank you.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2023
When I used the service, I was a previous customer; nothing was done—a total waste of money. I called to find out if they handle wrongful termination cases, but the rep wouldn't tell me unless I had a membership. I explained to her I previously had a membership, and they did nothing. All she could say was, "We'll, give a discount."
You may continue to use your provider lawyer for legal situations that extend beyond membership benefits. The additional services are 25% off the law firm's standard hourly rates. A retainer fee may be required to receive these additional services. The Provider Lawyer will go over these fees and let a member know when the 25% discount applies. This discount does not include contingency matters. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact LegalShield Member Services at (800)-654-7757 or via chat at www.legalshield.com between 7-7 CST Monday-Friday and a team member would be happy to assist you.
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
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