I’ve always heard you shouldn’t go yourself. Just send the lawyer.
The individual didn’t claim that much mileage. I think insurance companies figure 15,000 as an average. It looks like a random selection to me. The situation doesn’t merit a high dollar per hour tax lawyer.
If I was the auditor, a tax attorney showing up for something this minor would be a red flag. I would wonder if there were other problems and possibly concealed income considering a worthwhile tax attorney would want a retainer upwards of $5,000 to start.
If you customarily use someone to prepare your taxes and they show up, I don’t think the IRS would think twice. Someone as expensive as a tax attorney puts things in a different and IMO opinion, very bad light.