obligations to pay for legal services??

Hi

I may be a little ignorant with how things work in the legal fraternity.

I sought some initial direction / options regarding how I may proceed with some legal advice/opinion from a cold call/email to a legal firm.

I am wondering is it expected that the client should automatically expect that if speaking to a legal firm / solicitor that a bill / charge will be expected.

I perhaps stupidly did not consider this. I received some limited advice / options. At no time was a made aware that there would be any charges, not was i advised of any fee schedule or contract to sign to engage their services.

I thought that at such time that the firm would have to charge me, they would advise me that ‘ any further assistance would cost …abc amount.

I have received a bill in the mail for a couple of hundred dollars.

Am i being unreasonable to request this bill be reviewed / cancelled??