Always ask whether there is a fee for the first meeting when you call for an appointment. Some lawyers do not charge for the first meeting, while others charge for all or part of the client’s first visit.
If you decide not to take further action after the first visit, you are under no obligation to hire the lawyer. You will be expected to pay for the first visit unless you are told otherwise.
Sometimes lawyer referral programs will charge a small administrative fee for the first consultation with a qualified lawyer to help defray the cost of running its public service.