Generally speaking, trademark applications aren't difficult. If you're a detail-oriented person and don't mind doing some reading, you can absolutely do it yourself.
The main advantage to hiring an attorney is that if you run into an opposition or if the examiner has an issue with your application, an attorney may be better able to persuade the office that the opposer is without grounds.
Start with a TESS search on the USPTO's site for live applications. Read up on the US and International Classes that you might want to use and decide which are applicable. If you run into similar names in your desired class, it might be worth talking to an attorney about whether your mark is likely to be allowable. Pay close attention to the specimen requirements if you're doing an in-use application as compared to an ITU. A defective specimen that doesn't establish the elements for use as an identifier of the goods or services can be problematic.
You might also see if your IP attorney is willing to walk you through the process the first time and then just answer questions on an as-needed basis. You could also work out the application on paper and just ask an attorney to look it over and use that form to fill in the information needed to file electronically.
If you do decide to go the self-filed route, make sure to read up on the categories of names in terms of whether your mark is protectable. (generic, descriptive =bad; arbitrary, fanciful =good)
The main advantage to hiring an attorney is that if you run into an opposition or if the examiner has an issue with your application, an attorney may be better able to persuade the office that the opposer is without grounds.
Start with a TESS search on the USPTO's site for live applications. Read up on the US and International Classes that you might want to use and decide which are applicable. If you run into similar names in your desired class, it might be worth talking to an attorney about whether your mark is likely to be allowable. Pay close attention to the specimen requirements if you're doing an in-use application as compared to an ITU. A defective specimen that doesn't establish the elements for use as an identifier of the goods or services can be problematic.
You might also see if your IP attorney is willing to walk you through the process the first time and then just answer questions on an as-needed basis. You could also work out the application on paper and just ask an attorney to look it over and use that form to fill in the information needed to file electronically.