Can anyone tell me if they have ever gone to small claims court with a lawyer?

i am eligible for legal aid but no lawyer wants to represent me in a small claims court room -even payable lawyers are telling me to go without one- but my court letter says to bring one and to be ready to present my case-if i don't bring a lawyer, will the judge appoint one to me and re-schedule or what??i live in Erie County in New York- outside of Buffalo if that means anything - i know sometimes laws are a bit different from state to state etc,- any real answers will be greatly appreciated- this is something totally out of my element and i don't know how to deal with it thanks to one and all in advance for your answers -Silver Fox52....