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)