Careful what advice you follow. I WOULD say get representation. I have and feel it's worth the cut they get, because they've handled my claim from the initial application, and will do every appeal needed until I win. They handle all the annoying paperwork and meet deadlines, and I just sit back and try to relax. Also from the SSDRC:

"Statistics show that 60 percent of disability claims are approved by an administrative judge when the case is presented by an attorney, as opposed to 40 percent when there is no legal representation."

So yes I'd say if you can get a professional with experience on board, you'll benefit from it. Good luck. Also in a nutshell the process:

2-4 month wait for decision from initial application. Most people denied here.
3-4 month wait on appeal. Most people denied again here.
1-2 year wait to see a judge/hearing. Most approved here.
Or if denied, you appeal that and it goes to appeals council.

It's a long road, prepare for that.