My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Missouri

I am due over 200 hours of uncompensated overtime from a previous employer. I have tried to get the employer to pay but they are very slow to respond and basically just keep putting me off. I am am now at the point where I believe I need to contact the state employment board and file a official complaint to recover what is due me. My question is: Is it better for me to contact an employment attorney first and have them contact the state board and my former employer(notifying them I am filing a complaint) or just go straight to the state employment board myself? Thank you in advance for any advice you can lend.