There is really no compelling reason to hire an attorney in your local area, because most of the work can be done through phone/mail/FAX/e-mail. But if you can find a local attorney who suits your needs, that may be more convenient for you.
I would strongly recommend that you look only for members of AILA and shop around because the fees can vary widely. I would look for an attorney who charges a flat fee for the type of visa you are looking for, not an hourly rate.
Yes, there are some real advantages to getting married first and then applying for a spouse visa. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference for you and your bride.
I suggest that you start seriously investigating the various visa possibilities and the documentation requirements. The first thing an attorney will likely do is give you a list of documents to gather up yourself, so you would be wise to get started on that first.
If you need a list of documents, I can give you that if you would like.
Ray
