Has anyone ever obtained a US utility patent?

outside looking in

<b>Registered Member</b>
I'm persuing patents on two separate inventions. I've done a cursory patent search for prior art infringement, and I feel I'm OK to go ahead, although I will be hiring the services of a patent search consultant/agency to do an exhaustive search very soon.

Has anyone ever obtained a utility patent? Did you file pro se, or use the help of qualified legal counsel? Due to the complexity of both devices, I'm almost sure I will be looking for a qualified patent attorney.

Any suggestions on how to find a good one? I don't think the yellow pages carries an approval rating. ;) Are attorneys obligated to give out names of previous clients if asked, so that they might be contacted to comment on their satisfaction?
 
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