A ballistic shield convertible between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration is disclosed. The ballistic shield includes a first ballistic panel including a ballistic material, and a second ballistic panel including a ballistic material. A pivotable connection between the first ballistic panel and the second ballistic panel is disposed such that, when the ballistic shield is in the unfolded configuration, an overlapping area exists between a portion of the first ballistic panel and a portion of the second ballistic panel.