jb - I felt similarly to how you did - I did not want to have to spend the $$ on a L, but meeting with a few gave me a lot more confidence going forward. I found a L who, while not cheap, is experienced and wise and I believe can argue circles around H's L (who never even told him that I'd been served and still has yet to send out any discovery requests) if necessary. It is indeed money well spent. As one of my coworkers pointed out - better to spend the money on the L upfront than to have to spend more of it later (due to not getting the best deal based on your rights).
