Preliminary Research - it sounds crazy, but this is a topic I do not talk about.  It is more a "behind the scenes" kind of service I provide to potential clients when they first come to me with their problem.  I may not always know the answer right then and there, so I research it.  Some attorneys may charge for this service because it can take hours depending on the problem.  However, my preliminary researches are at no cost to the potential client.  Why? Because this determines whether I can resolve their problem or refer them to someone who can. That has always been my motto, do the research first.