You can retain an attorney to file the petition for your H-1 visa or do it yourself if you are confident. The BCIS' fisical year will start on Oct. 1 each year when the new quota (65,00 for 2005)will be available. Labor department allows six months in advance to apply for the labor condition for the starting date, therefore you don't have to wait until 10/1 to apply for H-1 for the next year's quota.
As to the location of the attorney, you should pick up the attorney you could trust. For immigration practice, there is no location limit by law. An immigration attorney can practice nationwide.
You can go to my website to find the information needed for the H-1b visa petition and the website link for the labor condition application.
My website is runanzhang.com, click on the immigration, and nonimmigrant visa for H-1. You will find all the information you need.
Good luck.
Runan Zhang
Attorney at Law
