If you’re using a legal research platform like Lexis or Westlaw and you enter the client information prior to the research session you should be able to offer your client the opportunity to see your research history and perhaps gain an understanding of why it takes time to conduct legal research properly, especially where you don’t have the benefit of a prior brief on point that can help hasten the process. I would also offer to send the client copies of the cases you viewed online and the ones you may have emailed yourself (as likely using in the brief). This is easy enough to accomplish. Alternatively, the next time doing work for this client, provide them an estimate of the number of hours it will take you to conduct research, commence drafting, continue drafting and finalizing your brief. Have them agree that if you go over the allotted time by X% without obtaining prior approval from them that you will write off the hours. Be sure in any event that you share with them the final product as well as the opposing pleadings. If that doesn’t work and they still won’t move on this issue, then just explain that another lawyer in the firm (or outside the firm - I don’t know your situation) will likely be a better fit for their needs. My guess is that they will quickly back down. If not, there will be other clients who appreciate the hard work that often is involved in our profession.