I would expect the free consultation to be "Hmm, that depends. Can you give me a copy of any contracts you signed with them? Oh and $$$. Send me $$$ too."

Have you tried? I've got good 30min conversations with lawyers on the phone for 0$, and them telling me I didn't need their services after all, but to call them if X happens. Same with many other professionals, FWIW.

Yep that's been my experience too (UK lawyers). A few emails, a quick look at my contract (client was in breach by terminating without notice). The lawyers explained exactly what the legal situation was and told me that I would probably win an amount slightly less than their fee and they recommended I didn't bother - totally free advice.

(Annoyingly the reason I wouldn't have won that much in damages was that I had mitigated my damages by finding another contract within days)

My concern is that determining whether or not they are needed could be a lengthy task. I'm not saying that most of them would lie and say it would take longer than that.

Most professionals are pretty reasonable if you don't actually need their services. From handymen to lawyers, I've had people tell me I don't actually need them.

I mean I've also suggested at no cost that a site could be built on Squarespace instead of hiring a software engineer too...

I briefly used a lawyer in the states and the cost was extremely reasonable - in Canada I've used one much more and the cost continues to be quite reasonable.

I think this impression is just a result of how lawyers are portrayed in the media, most folks are quite happy to sit down with someone and talk something through - moreso if it can be done entirely over email or the phone.

How can the attorney know for sure without going to the details? The guy worked for the company and created a very similar project.