I can think of at least one crew that tried both options. One got his own counsel and got arginal results, and the other got an ALPA lawyer but was not enthralled either. He had to be very dilligent about staying on top of the case. The outcome was satisfactory for both, but it was an extremely time-consuming proposition, mostly because the FAA was hell-bent on winning something, even though they had no case.

The difference ended up being the expense. Both found out that lawyers require much supervision.