LegalShield, originally known as Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., is a company that offers legal service products directly to individuals, employers, and through multi-level marketing in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1972 by Harland Stonecipher after encountering financial difficulties due to legal fees from a car accident, the company was created with the mission to provide affordable legal services. This vision was grounded in the belief that legal assistance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. Over the years, LegalShield has undergone significant changes, including a name change in 2011 following its acquisition by MidOcean Partners for $650 million, as it aimed to broaden its offerings and reach.