Once you become a solo practitioner, you’ll be eager to get a client and start working on his/her case.  But, before you jump for joy that someone has contacted you for your legal skills, be certain that you want this person as your client.  Of course, you’ll do the necessary due diligence to determine if they have a case or whether you can even help them.  But, you should also be concerned about whether you’ll get paid for your services.  For example, I was speaking to a colleague who told me about a conversation with a potential client.  When they began to discuss fees, the client wanted to know whether the attorney could lower her fees in an attempt to match an online ad that claimed to provide the same service for $49.95.  The attorney, of course, said that she couldn’t match that price.  The client went on to say that they were willing to pay $69.95 since, after all, he was dealing with an attorney.  So, the attorney said that he should perhaps take the $49.95 deal and see if his legal issues will be resolved.  Now, of course, the attorney lost a potential client, but she saved time not having to hunt down her legal fees from this person.  This client is the type that would refuse to pay what is owed in the end.  So, be very selective when you choose your clients.  Law school surely wasn’t free (or $49.95), so your services shouldn’t be free.