PRE PAID LEGAL SERVICES News

Pre-Paid Legal Shareholders Approve Merger

Press Release | 6/29/2011

More than 99% of the shares voting at the meeting were voted in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement, representing approximately 82% of Pre-Paid's total outstanding shares of common stock as of the May 13, 2011 record date for the meeting. Approval of the proposal to adopt the merger agreement required the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.

Upon consummation of the merger, Pre-Paid's shareholders will receive $66.50 in cash for each share of Pre-Paid common stock they own, other than shareholders that properly exercise appraisal rights.

Pre Paid Legal To Host Convention

Press Release | 4/6/2011

"This is a pivotal year for Pre-Paid Legal Services," said PPD Founder and Chairman of the Board Harland C. Stonecipher. "Over the past 39 years Pre-Paid Legal has established itself as both a leader in the legal service plan industry and as a company that offers individuals the opportunity to own their own business," he said.

"As we look toward the fourth decade, Pre-Paid Legal will continue to provide quality legal services to the public while pursuing our corporate mission of 'equal justice under the law,'" Stonecipher said.

Among the highlights for the 2011 event, will be a series of presentations by MidOcean Partners' executives concerning plans for the company following the completion of the acquisition.

In addition, Jim Stovall, president of Narrative Television Network, and the co-producer of the film, "The Lamp," will discuss the film and how PPD will utilize the production in charity fundraising events over the coming months. Stovall will be joined on stage by Oscar winner Lou Gossett Jr., who stars in the film. Chairman Stonecipher has a cameo role in the film, along with CEO Steve Forbes of Forbes magazine and CEO Paula Marshall of the Bama Companies.

An estimated 11,000 PPD independent sales associates and guests, along with attorneys from PPD's 38 independent provider law firms, will attend the event at the Cox Convention Center. Dignitaries who will address the attendees include: U.S. Congressman (Oklahoma's 4th District) Tom Cole, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

The 2011 International Convention marks the 11th time the event has been hosted in the capital city. Mayor Mick Cornett, who in past years has appeared before the Pre-Paid Legal conferees, once again welcomes the attendees to Oklahoma City.

"Pre-Paid Legal is a home-grown Oklahoma success story and I welcome the company's associates from throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada to Oklahoma City. Each year, the company stages one of Oklahoma City's largest conventions, adding millions of dollars to the city's economy," Mayor Cornett said.

The PPD International Convention is an annual event organized to offer training and development activities to help associates develop specific sales and recruitment skills and to recognize associate success in business development.

Pre-Paid Legal has approximately 600 employees at its corporate headquarters in Ada and an additional 50 employees in Antlers and 80 employees in Duncan.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Announces Investigation of Pre-Paid Legal Services

Press Release | 2/2/2011

The investigation is focused on the potential unfairness of the deal price to Pre-Paid Legal shareholders, the process by which the Board of Directors considered the transaction, and potential conflicts of interests among the Company’s Board members. In particular, the consideration offered to Pre-Paid Legal shareholders appears to be 3% lower than the 52-week high trading price for the Company’s stock.

If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Pre-Paid Legal shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at contact@finkelsteinthompson.com.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP has spent over three decades delivering outstanding representation to institutional and individual clients in financial litigation, and has been appointed as lead or co-lead counsel in dozens of shareholder class actions. Indeed, the firm has served in leadership roles in cases that have recovered over $1 billion for investors and consumers.

To learn more about Finkelstein Thompson LLP, please visit our web site at www.finkelsteinthompson.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces Update on SEC Subpoena

Npros.com | 4/18/2010

The subpoena is part of an ongoing inquiry by the SEC. The SEC has stated that the inquiry is non-public and should not be construed as an indication by the SEC or its staff that any violation of law has occurred, nor should it be considered a reflection upon any person, entity or security.

We will continue to cooperate with the staff of the SEC and seek a resolution of this matter. We are not able to predict the outcome of this inquiry.

Pre-Paid Legal documents subpoenaed by SEC

Npros.com | 4/16/2010

Replacing the 71 year old Mr. Stonecipher are two co-CEO’s, Randy Harp, and Mark Brown, both under 60 years of age. The further resignation of Tom Smith as director is connect to the SEC’s request for membership documents, and conforming with payment card industry guidelines.

Stock shares fell 4.5 percent in April 15th trading as a result of the SECs involvement.

Pre-Paid Legal is in full cooperation with the SEC and will continue to provide any necessary documents to assist the agency in its investigation.

Pre-Paid Legal Hosts Oklahoma City Convention

Npros.com | 4/12/2010

Pre-Paid Legal Holds 10th Year Convention

Npros.com | 4/8/2010

Pre-Paid Legal in the Orlando Sentinel

Npros.com | 3/9/2010

"Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. recently identified the top services for which people use its attorneys:

•Real estate: Help with transactions, landlord and tenant issues, foreclosures and short sales.

Consumer finance: Retail transactions for warranties, guarantees and other contracts.

Family Law: Divorce, child support, child custody and child visitation.

Debt collections.

And estate planning.

According to a survey conducted for the American Bar Association, more than 70 percent of respondents said they could have used a lawyer over the past year.

"Most people don't realize there are a lot of aspects of their everyday lives that have legal aspects to them," Mantzaris said. "If we can get people to contact us before they get to be big problems, we can provide them a lot better service."

Pre-Paid Legal Founder Steps Down

Press Release | 3/9/2010

Harland C. Stonecipher, 71, will be replaced on April 2 by co-CEOs Randy Harp, 54, and Mark Brown, 56. Harp, who is Pre-Paid's current chief operating officer, also will serve as company president. Brown is the company's current chief marketing officer.

The company said Stonecipher will remain as board chairman.

Pre-Paid is a legal services company based in Ada, Okla. Its shares fell 3 cents to $41.66 in Wednesday trading.

Largest Pre-Paid Legal Shareholder May Sell Stock

Npros.com | 3/9/2010

In another announcement by Pre-Paid Legal Services, Harland Stonecipher will be stepping down as chief executive officer and president, coming into effect on April 2 although he will remain as chairman. 54 year old Randy Harp, Chief Operating Officer was declared as the new President and will share the CEO job with chief marketing officer Mark Brown.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces 2009 Year-End Results

StreetInsider.com | 1/11/2010

For the year 2009, new sales associates enrolled increased 52.2% to 186,064 compared to 122,255 enrolled during 2008 while new memberships produced were 568,095, up 2.9% from 552,327. Our active memberships decreased less than 1.0% during 2009 from 1,559,154 to 1,547,585. From the 3rd quarter of 2009 to the 4th quarter of 2009, our active memberships increased by 2,030 memberships.

Pre-Paid Legal Authorizes Stock Repurchase

RTT News | 12/9/2009

During the fourth quarter through November 30, 2009, the company returned $28.8 million to shareholders through the repurchase of 722,022 shares of common stock, at an average per share price of $39.89. Since April 1999, we have returned $450.8 million to shareholders through the purchase of 14.9 million shares, average price of $30.21 per share, and $17.1 million in dividends for a combined total of $467.9 million representing more than 100% of our net earnings during the same timeframe.

Pre-Paid Legal Down Since Sell Recommendation

Trading Markets | 11/16/2009

Since then, Pre-Paid Legal Services has returned 12.9% as of today's recent price of $40.99. Want to profit from these alerts?

Pre-Paid Legal Announces 3rd Quarter Membership Figures

Reuters | 10/17/2009

On a sequential quarterly basis, new associates enrolled increased 199.5%; new memberships produced increased 43.2%, new membership fees written increased 41.8% and our active membership base increased by 39,684 memberships.

Pre-Paid Legal Declines in 3rd Quarter

Trading Markets | 10/5/2009

According to FDI co-founder Barry Minkow, "The 2009 third-quarter data released today by Pre-Paid Legal Services further confirm the analyses our expert Robert Fitzpatrick has presented over a two-year period - that of a pyramid selling scheme in ultimate decline."

Fitzpatrick observes the two key indicators, declining retail sales and a growing proportion of revenue sourced directly and only from salespeople (investors) - not retail customers - are prominent in third-quarter 2009 figures, as they have been in previous quarters.

Pre-Paid Legal Celebrates 10 Years in Canada

Npros.com | 6/15/2009

CEO, Founder & Chairman Harland Stonecipher will attend the day long celebration, which will include a Super Regional meeting of the company's Canadian independent sales associates, a panel program featuring the company's "Canadian Legends" and a gala banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3201 Highway 7, Vaughan, Ontario L4K 5Z7.

Over the past 10 years, PPL Legal Care of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pre-Paid Legal Services (PPL), has expanded into four Provinces, creating a strong platform for future growth in the Canadian market. PPL Legal Care of Canada currently provides coverage for approximately 25,000 families (customers). In addition, PPL's Independent Sales Associates now number approximately 11,700 in Canada. For the year 2008, PPL collected approximately $8.2 million (including foreign currency adjustments) in membership fees from the four provinces.

Pre-Paid Legal 4Q Profit Climbs

MSN Money | 2/23/2009

The company reported net income grew to $14.7 million, or $1.27 per share, compared with $11.7 million, or 92 cents per share, a year ago.

Revenue edged down 1 percent to $114.9 million from $116.1 million for the period ended Dec. 31 mostly on declining associate services revenue.

Pre-Paid Legal Chairman Embarks on Bailout Tour

KIVI-TV | 1/31/2009

During tough economic times people need access to the legal system more than ever. Everyone needs the ability to talk to a lawyer and get sound legal advice. We also offer a superior identity theft product. Unfortunately, most working Americans don't know lawyers, are intimidated by lawyers and are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer.

As a result of the tremendous unmet need by the majority of North Americans, we have a great business opportunity that can provide part-time or full-time income for those who need it.

Pre-Paid Legal Adds 100th Millionaire Club Member

Earthtimes | 1/3/2009

The "Millionaire Club" recognizes those sales associate who have eclipsed over $1 million in commissions during their tenure with the company.

Earlier this week, Brenda Anderson of Glendale, Ariz., became the 99th member to join the prestigious list.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces 2008 3rd Quarter Results

MarketWatch | 10/5/2008

On a sequential quarterly basis, new associates enrolled increased 44.9%; new memberships produced increased 7.9%, new membership fees written increased 6.8% and our active membership base increased by 9,254 memberships.

Pre-Paid Legal Completes 10 Mil Financing

CNNMoney.com | 6/9/2008

We will use proceeds from the new financing to fund additional treasury stock purchases as we currently have Board authorization to purchase approximately 798,000 additional treasury shares. Since April 1999, the Company has purchased 13.2 million shares, totaling $385.3 million, or an average cost per share of $29.18 per share. As a result of this aggressive treasury stock purchase program, the Company has reduced shares outstanding by approximately 50% during this time.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces Year End 2007 Results

Biloxi Sun Herald | 2/22/2008

Pre-Paid Legal Fails to Prove Damages

NewsOK.com | 2/4/2008

Pre-Paid Legal, based in Ada, provides lawyer services through a monthly fee plan.

Pre-Paid Legal Q4 Reports Memberships and Recruiting Rise

Trading Markets | 1/15/2008

The company anticipates its fourth quarter and yearly earnings will be announcing on February 19, 2008 after market closes and hosting conference call to discuss earnings on February 21, 2008.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces 2007 3rd Quarter Results

CNW Telbec | 11/28/2007

Membership revenues for the first nine months of 2007 increased 3% to a record $318.5 million vs. $308.4 million for the comparable period of 2006. Net income for the first nine months of 2007 increased 2% to $39.5 million vs. $38.6 million for the first nine months of 2006. Diluted earnings per share increased 15% to $2.96 vs. $2.58. Diluted earnings per share increased more than net income due to an 11% decrease in the weighted average number of outstanding shares.

Quarterly Profits Dip at Pre-Paid Legal

Tulsa World | 10/31/2007

On Monday, the Ada-based company reported that its quarterly net income fell to $11.6 million, or 88 cents per diluted share, down from $13.4 million, or 93 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.

For the first nine months of the year, net income was $39.5 million, or $2.96 a diluted share, up from $38.6 million, or $2.58 a share, in the year-earlier period.

Pre-Paid Legal Launches National Media Campaign

CNNMoney.com | 10/8/2007

Stonecipher said, "This program about our legal service and identity theft plans will find an audience with those interested in a revolutionary solution to the growing problem of limited access to justice. The program will be informational and educational in nature and provide a glimpse into our unique company and the services we provide. Far from a typical documentary which focuses on something interesting but may have little direct impact on the individuals viewing it, this program will address needs that most people have. In this particular episode, viewers will hear from four former Attorney Generals, a former American Bar Association President, top executives of national Chamber of Commerce organizations and also hear from some of our Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. members about their experiences."

Pre-Paid Legal Posts Rise In New Associates

Trading Markets | 10/2/2007

Pre-Paid Legal Makes Appearance on Star Stocks

Motley Fool | 5/29/2007

Other times, though, the market gets caught off-guard by positive surprises from stocks that most investors thought were down for the count. In this situation, investors who stood by the stock often break into a chorus of "I told you so," as short sellers are forced to figure out just how much pain they can take.

To dig up some of these unloved, naysayer-defying stocks, I'm turning once again to The Motley Fool's CAPS community. Each of the companies below had received a one-star rating (the lowest) from our community of investors just 30 days ago: Data provided from Motley Fool CAPS as of May 16.

It's important to remember that some of these stocks, particularly the smaller, more volatile ones, could just as easily reverse these big gains over the next 30 days. In some cases, though, the strength could be a sign that the company's prospects have changed for the better, or that it had been beaten down just a little too far.

Are these stocks better than CAPS players had thought, or are they just singing that proverbial swan song? The best way to get a feel for where these guys are headed is to dig in and do some research. I thought I'd kick you off with some thoughts on Pre-Paid Legal Services.

A pre-paid pop Since Pre-Paid Legal Services is making its second appearance on this list in 2007, I couldn't help taking a closer look at it. It previously showed up the critics in late March, when it jumped 26% in the course of a month. It's since added 23 percentage points to that gain, up an impressive 85% in the last year.

(...Pre-Paid Legal is a pretty straightforward idea. In exchange for a monthly premium of around $26, members are entitled to legal services though Pre-Paid Legal's network of law firms. Mind you, Pre-Paid doesn't include remedies for an exhaustive list of potential legal snafus, but it does cover many of the most common occasions where a lawyer might help....)

Pre-Paid Legal Announces Board Members

Canada NewsWire | 5/29/2007

Ligon recently retired as senior vice president and general counsel for Devon Energy Corporation, brings more than 35 years of legal expertise in corporate securities, litigation, governmental affairs and mergers and acquisitions and is currently serving as executive director of the Love's Entrepreneurial Center at Oklahoma City University as well as strategic advisor to the Oklahoma based Love's Travel Stores.

Pre-Paid Legal Rises on Q1 News

TradingMarkets | 4/24/2007

Pre-Paid Legal Holds Convention in OKC

KSWO | 3/30/2007

The Ada-based company used to routinely bypass Oklahoma City when it came to selecting sites for its convention, but the increase in hotel and meeting space in recent years has changed that.

Pre-Paid's chief financial officer, Steve Williamson, praises Oklahoma City's progress since the year 2000 and says...

Pre-Paid Legal Holds Convention

KOTV | 3/26/2007

The Ada-based company used to routinely bypass Oklahoma City when it came to selecting sites for its convention, but the increase in hotel and meeting space in recent years has changed that.

Pre-Paid's chief financial officer, Steve Williamson, praises Oklahoma City's progress since the year 2000 and says he doesn't think the company will move it convention site in the near future.

The company has a ``hold'' on dates at the Cox Convention Center through 2012.

On the agenda for the convention today is a speech by company founder and chief executive officer Harland Stonecipher.

Pre-Paid Legal Services Announce Stock Repurchase

PRNewswire | 3/22/2007

During 2007, we have returned $13.6 million to shareholders through the repurchase of 320,672 shares of common stock, at an average per share price of $42.37. Pursuant to the repurchase program originally announced on April 6, 1999, we have returned $309.6 million to shareholders through the purchase of 11.7 million shares, average price of $26.47 per share, and $17.1 million in dividends for a combined total of $326.6 million representing more than 115 percent of our net earnings during the same timeframe. We have reduced the number of shares outstanding by approximately 43% from 23.7 million at March 31, 1999 to approximately 13.4 million today. Purchases pursuant to the new repurchase authorization will be made at prices that we consider attractive. We expect to continue purchases after our 2007 first quarter earnings conference call scheduled for April 25, 2007. No time limit has been set for completion of the additional share repurchases.

Pre-Paid Legal Services No Comment on Trading

PRNewswire | 3/16/2007

About Us

We believe our products are one of a kind, life events legal service plans. Our plans provide for legal service benefits provided through a network of independent law firms across the U.S. and Canada, and include unlimited attorney consultation, will preparation, traffic violation defense, automobile-related criminal charges defense, letter writing, document preparation and review and a general trial defense benefit. We have an identity theft restoration product we think is also one of a kind due to the combination of our identity theft restoration partner and our provider law firms.

Pre-Paid Legal Nominates Board Member

Press Release | 3/13/2007

Ligon, 65, recently retired as senior vice president and general counsel for Devon Energy Corporation, brings more than 35 years of legal expertise in corporate securities, litigation, governmental affairs and mergers and acquisitions and is currently serving as executive director of the Love's Entrepreneurial Center at Oklahoma City University as well as strategic advisor to the Oklahoma based Love's Travel Stores. Prior to joining Devon in 1997, he practiced law for 12 years and last served as a partner at the law firm of Mayer, Brown & Platt in New York City. In addition, he was senior vice president and managing director for investment banking at Bankers Trust Co. in New York City for 10 years. Ligon received an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Westminster College and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

Research Coverage on Pre-Paid Legal

Yahoo Finance | 11/16/2006

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tejas Securities Group, Inc. released a research report today on Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (NYSE: PPD - News). ADVERTISEMENT Tejas Securities Group, Inc., a Texas Corporation ("Tejas Securities"), is a wholly owned subsidiary and a primary business operating unit of Tejas Incorporated (OTC Bulletin Board: TEJS - News), a publicly traded holding company.

Earnings Surge at Pre-Paid Legal Services

Npros.com | 10/28/2006

Lower commissions -- down to $31.4 million from $37.4 million -- contribute to higher net income. Lower commissions helped boost third-quarter net income 55 percent at Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc.

The Ada-based company reported Monday that it earned $13.4 million, or 93 cents a diluted share, compared with $8.6 million, or 55 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.

Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of stock options and warrants, and the conversion of convertible bonds and preferred shares in computing outstanding shares. Because diluted income per share involves spreading net income over more outstanding shares, the additional equity dilutes, or reduces, earnings on a per-share basis, according to an online definition.

Pre-Paid Legal Commences Tender Offer

TradingMarkets.com | 7/10/2006

(RTTNews) - Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (PPD | charts | news | PowerRating) on Wednesday said it commenced its previously announced self-tender offer for up to 1 million shares of the company's common stock, at a fixed purchase price of $35.00 per share. The company noted that the price represents a 5% premium compared to the June 23, 2006 closing price of $33.23 per share. The company also disclosed that the offer is schedules to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2006. Pre-Paid Legal Services expects to fund the purchase price from the proceeds of a $75 million term loan facility closed with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc.

Network Marketing Or Pyramid Scheme

Black Enterprise | 7/8/2006

When he signed up to be an independent associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc., Cameron Brickey thought network marketing was an easy way to make a buck. Several weeks and $800 later, he thought otherwise.

Brickey heard of Pre-Paid Legal, a network marketing company that provides affordable legal services for low- to middle-income individuals and families, while attending a job fair last October. He borrowed money from his girlfriend for the membership fees–three payments of $50–and another $300 to $400 for the starter package and other required tools, which included business cards, stationery, flyers, training materials, and handfuls of DVDs, videotapes, and books that explained the particulars of the company.

Working 20 to 30 hours a week, Brickey says he participated in mandatory conference calls with other Pre-Paid Legal associates to talk about sales and ways to generate more business. He also says he held in-home presentations to try and sign up new customers, placed flyers at the public library and on parked cars, and passed out business cards in front of the neighborhood grocery store. But three months after joining and with virtually no income to show for it, Brickey was ready to call it quits. "I'm really frustrated with the whole thing. … I was in an income crunch and I was trying to be positive and give it a chance."

The Real World of MLM Whether it's lack of sales experience or bad luck, many people fail at network marketing, or multilevel marketing (MLM), as the industry is also called. And while many MLM companies are legitimate, others–better known as pyramid schemes–prey upon the unsuspecting. Determining how much money you can really make and identifying the schemes can sometimes be bigger challenges than selling the products or recruiting people into the network.

Pre-Paid Legal Expert in the News

Npros.com | 6/17/2006

Clues to someone’s identity were available at nearly every dumpster in downtown Silverton. Identity thieves often steal personal information that is not properly disposed of at many businesses.

SILVERTON – Silverton area residents are going to great lengths to protect their identities. They shred, burn or use other means to destroy as much information as possible about themselves.

Names, addresses, phone numbers and account numbers are all goldmines for potential ID thieves, but even though local residents are going to greater lengths to protect themselves, are local businesses using the same level of precautions?

The Appeal Tribune took an identity theft expert, Ron Breeden, from Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. in Aumsville, dumpster diving behind businesses on both public and private property in Silverton’s downtown core to see what personal information was being thrown into recycling and trash. During the search, no locked trash or recycling bins were opened, and no barriers such as fences were crossed.

Pre-Paid Legal Receives Loan for Stock Purchase

Newswire | 6/1/2006

Pre-Paid Legal Issues Shareholder Letter Re Stock Attacks

Yahoo Finance | 5/22/2006

ADA, Okla., May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (NYSE: PPD - News) -- The attached "Letter to Shareholders" from our Chairman and CEO Harland C. Stonecipher was posted on our Web site for shareholders and/or electronically distributed to them today.

Letter to Shareholders - No. 8 From Harland C. Stonecipher Date: May 16, 2006

Recent negative publicity about us is but another example of what we have endured since becoming the target of a short attack five and a half years ago. Since then we have communicated directly with you several times to help you better understand what was taking place. By addressing the negative points brought up, we would like to bring you up-to-date on what we have been doing and where we are headed. Rereading the previous seven letters to shareholders will give you an even better understanding of what we have accomplished.

Pre-Paid Legal Stock Hits 52 Week Low

FinanceVisor | 5/19/2006

Today's stock making new 52 week lows

PRE-PAID LEGAL SVCS INC (PPD) has made a new 52 weeks low today. 52 Weeks range is $32.97 - $52.77, PPD is last trading at $32.97, Net change -0.34 (-1.02%)

RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP (RBNF) has made a new 52 weeks low today. 52 Weeks range is $11.02 - $14.13, RBNF is last trading at $11.02, Net change -0.61 (-5.25%)

READER'S DIGEST ASSN INC (RDA) has made a new 52 weeks low today. 52 Weeks range is $13.46 - $17.61, RDA is last trading at $13.46, Net change -0.04 (-0.30%)

COHEN & STEERS TOT RR FD (RFI) has made a new 52 weeks low today. 52 Weeks range is $17.08 - $21.14, RFI is last trading at $17.08, Net change -0.18 (-1.04%)

STURM RUGER & CO INC (RGR) has made a new 52 weeks low today. 52 Weeks range is $5.64 - $11.75, RGR is last trading at $5.64, Net change -0.03 (-0.53%)

Pre-Paid Legal Founder Harland Stonechipher

Npros.com | 5/3/2006

Harland Stonecipher deserving of honor

“If a man write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse-trap than his neighbor, tho' he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.”

So said Ralph Waldo Emerson, famous American writer and commentator many years ago.

So it was then. So it is today.

But when Harland Stonecipher started his company, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., there was no “mousetrap,” so to speak, of any kind. His unique vision of supplying a legal services protection plan to the nation was a first. What Stonecipher did was survey the American scene and come to the realization that ours had become a litigious society. People sued at the drop of a hat for almost any reason, and sometimes for no apparent reason.

Incidents that would have been shrugged off and forgotten in a previous era were filling our courts with defendants who had never considered hiring an attorney before they needed one. And many needed one. Worse, what they were finding in their current legal emergency was that hiring an attorney can be a prohibitively costly ordeal in which they had no idea if they were getting their money’s worth.

Pre-Paid Legal Announces 2006 Q1 Results

Yahoo! Finance | 4/24/2006

ADA, Okla., April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (NYSE: PPD - News), announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006. Membership revenues increased 10% to $101.7 million from $92.5 million for the same period last year. Net income increased 46% primarily due to lower associate services and direct marketing expenses and, although total commissions paid were higher in the 2006 period compared to the 2005 period, commissions were lower as a percentage of membership revenues (31% vs. 34%). Diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased 47% to 84 cents per share from 57 cents per share for the prior year's comparable quarter, slightly higher than the net income increase due to the 2% decrease in the weighted average number of outstanding shares.

Pre-Paid Legal to Buy Back 1M Shares

Chron.com | 4/20/2006

The repurchase program is in addition to its previously announced stock buyback program of 10 million shares, of which 9.9 million have been bought.

The company said it has reduced the number of shares outstanding by about 37 percent from 23.7 million on March 31, 1999 to about 15 million shares today.

Pre-paid legal active memberships up 4%

Yahoo! News | 4/6/2006