Keep a kitchen timer on the table in front of you while you talk to your lawyer, even when you go to his office!

I work in a Solicitors in a small town, one thing I've noticed is that we get a lot of client's from places like Cardiff, the reason being is that we are a lot cheaper than the big city firms so try looking for a smaller local company as opose to a big city firm, you'll probably find they are more people friendly and a hell of a lot cheaper!! Also you do get paid for time, which includes appointments, phone calls and any letters they do on your behalf. Try not being on the phone and writing letters all the time asking for updates as you will pay for it!!