There's a separate section for acronyms on the Newbie board, at the top.
jhb

Well you could start by reading threads here since you are new. Just read the very next thread below you to shed a little more light on CL.

Go to the regional board for New York (its to the left there, just below "top ten posters").

Choose a visiting independent that was well regarded by the frequent posters on the NYC board at the time, with several pages of excellent reviews.  Worked for me, and I still see that lady when she visits.  That is the best way to go whether newbie or veteran...stick with the well reviewed and regarded ladies, both homegrown and visiting.  This applies to both independents are agencies.  If you do your research (and you will need to do lots of it at beginning), you will learn fairly quickly who the better ladies and agencies are, and there are lots of them, BTW.  This is more expensive in general than utilizing CL, but the risk of bad experiences is much lower.  Best of luck to you...