Many people talk about how expensive IP lawyers can be, but it takes a lot of very technical work, which always costs money. As Robert Heinlein always said, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch (TANSTAAFL).

But sometimes, there is. Firms almost always want to get a variety of experience and give something back to the community. Few people on the net seem to be aware of the range of pro-bono services offered by firms. Here is a list recently compiled by the ABA IP section. There are many others as well, I'm sure. So if you have an IP problem and don't think you have the funds to handle it, consider looking for a firm that might help you on a pro-bono or contingency basis.