Hello,
Imigration Canada changed its policy recently. Now only people of 32 categories are eligible.E.g. Now a software developer is not eligible, but software project manager is. Before the range was wide.

Before applying, please make sure that you have qualifying points.
Am I eligible? : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/tool/index.asp

You do not need to appoint a lawyer. The process is pretty straight forward and not so easy. It will not speed up processing time or anything like that. Canadian govt truly treats everybody equally. After applying you will be able to check your status online. I found a warning note on the immigration website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/representative/index.asp

Important Faqs: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

Main site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

I am really proud of Canada. No racism. Good driving habit. Good health Care System. Finally we have peace.

Cheers