Questions for US citizens with successful tier 5 charity worker visas

Hi there!

Questions for any U.S. citizens that have had successful tier 5 charity worker visa applications.

1. Should I pay the 1000+ pounds to have a solicitor prepare my application or was it straight forward?
2.. Did you submit any supplemental information? Such as a cover letter? I have been travelling in the UK/EU since April and my solicitor said it was fine but she would write a letter for me.
3. Did you go into your bank to get your proof of savings? Or did you use a statement from online?
4. How long did it take to hear back regarding your Visa?

Any and all information about your process would be amazing!

I'd like to know as well.