LegalShield, formerly known as Prepaid Legal, is a company that offers legal services through a subscription model. Members pay a monthly fee to access legal support for various personal and business matters, including document reviews, legal consultations, and court representation. With a network of over 900 attorneys, the company provides services across the U.S. and Canada, making legal assistance more affordable and accessible to everyday individuals and small businesses.
How Does LegalShield Work?
For a monthly fee starting at around $29.95 for personal plans, members gain access to a law firm in their state for consultations and legal support. LegalShield also offers business plans, which start at $49 per month, depending on the size of the business and the scope of services needed. Some specialty add-ons include gun owner protection, ride-share driver coverage, and identity theft protection.
LegalShield works with local law firms in each state, and while this network approach offers convenience, one downside is that users cannot choose their attorney. This limitation means you might not build a consistent relationship with a single lawyer, and the quality of service can vary depending on your location and the specific law firm assigned.
Pros of LegalShield Membership
- Affordability: LegalShield is much more cost-effective than hiring an attorney on an hourly basis. Legal fees in the U.S. can range from $150 to $400 per hour, and for many people, LegalShield's $29.95 monthly fee is a significant saving.
- Wide Range of Services: LegalShield covers various legal needs, including document review, traffic tickets, landlord-tenant disputes, estate planning, and more. Members also enjoy 24/7 emergency access to attorneys for urgent matters.
- Positive Experiences in Specific Cases: Many members report that LegalShield helped them navigate complex legal situations successfully. For example, one member shared, “I received a traffic ticket...My LegalShield lawyer went to court for me, and the case was dismissed. No points. No fine. That just paid for my membership for the next three and a half years!” (S. Hawkins, NV) (LegalShield).
- Business Plans: Entrepreneurs and small business owners can find LegalShield's business plans helpful for document review, contract negotiations, and even trial defense. This offers peace of mind for business owners who need consistent legal support but cannot afford to retain a full-time attorney(ConsumerAffairs).
Cons of LegalShield Membership
- Inconsistent Service Quality: A common complaint among users is that the quality of legal service varies depending on the assigned law firm. Some members expressed dissatisfaction with unresponsive attorneys or delays in handling their cases. For instance, one user mentioned, “It took over three days for an attorney to respond, well beyond their promised four-hour callback time”(BestCompany.com).
- Limited Control Over Attorneys: Since members are assigned to specific law firms within the LegalShield network, they don't have the option to choose or switch their attorney. Some members feel this limits their ability to get personalized service or to work with the same lawyer on all their cases.
- Mixed Reviews on Effectiveness: While many members are pleased with the services, others feel that they did not get the legal results they expected. For example, one user was disappointed after relying on LegalShield for a business lease review, which they claim resulted in financial loss due to poor legal advice(BestCompany.com).
Is LegalShield Worth It?
However, if your legal needs are rare or you prefer more personalized legal services with direct control over attorney selection, the subscription might not be the best fit.
LegalShield is ideal for individuals or small businesses that need legal assistance frequently or want the reassurance of having legal help on hand. If you face common legal issues like traffic violations, contract disputes, or estate planning needs, the membership can save you significant costs. As one user put it, “That’s over $5,000 in two years, or ten times my membership cost!” (J. Raposa, VA)(LegalShield).
Final Thoughts
LegalShield offers an affordable way to access a variety of legal services, particularly for those who frequently need legal advice or representation. However, the experience can be inconsistent depending on your location and the law firm assigned. Carefully consider your legal needs and the potential pros and cons before becoming a member.