When you call, don't expect the lawyer to solve your business problem over the telephone. The first discussion is for the lawyer to identify whether s/he can represent you and for you to assess whether the lawyer appears to have the skills to deal with your problem. If you have a legal problem the lawyer believes his/her firm can resolve, an office meeting will be arranged. In business matters, lawyers customarily charge a consultation fee for the first official meeting. At the meeting, the lawyer will give preliminary or urgent advice and develop a go-forward strategy. The corporate lawyers be able to give a partial fee estimate and will ask for a retainer to cover some of the work. No lawyer can guarantee the outcome.