Best Practices in Negotiation–Free is a Four-Letter Word
gratis. Practically speaking, it is unavoidable.
I don’t see this as a loss, but part of a larger “win + win” scenario for the parties. Consider it an investment in the relationship.
Where I do find FREE inappropriate, offensive, and as profane as a four-letter word, is where the information being sought is:
(a) Valuable and usually dispensed carefully and thoughtfully in the ordinary course of a professional’s practice. Taking the same scenario, the client that gets 30 minutes has no right to insist the lawyer prepare the filing, involving considerable time and expertise, for free as well.
(b) Other people typically pay for this information. Lots of lawyers will offer a free initial consultation. It’s somewhat standard. But if someone comes to me to critique a sales or service script, then he has to pay. I know of no consultant that does this for
