In addition to attracting clients, Stephens believes this practice helps you avoid headaches. Even if you charge for initial consultations as a rule, there are certain situations in which a freebie is definitely in order. Some lawyers do assess a small fee, but this is credited back to the client at settlement, if the client decides to retain the lawyer. When the job is a transactional task for which you commonly charge a flat fee a will, for instance most lawyers include the initial consultation as part of the fee. Don't charge existing clients.
Most lawyers agree that it's tacky to charge an existing client for a first meeting on a new matter.
Don't charge for self-promotion. If you spend a portion of your initial meeting telling the client about your firm and the various kinds of other jobs you can do, then call it what it is a sales presentation and don't charge the client for that part of the meeting. Cross-sell tell about what you do, ask whether they also need a will, etc. Once you've worked out the broad outlines of when to charge and when not to, it's time to think about the special exceptions. Remember, you're always free to tailor your policies to your advantage.