Garner attorney's app matches lawyers, clients

A website launched two years ago by a Garner attorney is gaining popularity, thanks to social media, and is now being used across the country as a digital way for lawyers and clients to find each other.

Posted 8:45 p.m. Apr 23, 2015 — Updated 8:46 p.m. Apr 23, 2015

GARNER, N.C. — A website launched two years ago by a Garner attorney is gaining popularity, thanks to social media, and is now being used across the country as a digital way for lawyers and clients to find each other.

Terence McEnally started up berniesez.com in 2013 because he wanted a more efficient way for people to find the right attorney to handle their traffic and personal injury claims. With the site, potential clients upload a little information, and attorneys bid on the case.

There are now 250 attorneys actively using the site in 20 states.

“It's taking off,” McEnally said. “This is a new way to do things.”

Since the launch of the website and app, about 1,000 cases have been uploaded. Attorneys pay a small fee to be members on the site, but consumers do not.

“I think it’s absolutely a great service because I can do everything right from my desk,” Raleigh attorney Shawndria McCoy said. She’s gotten about 20 clients through the site, including Nicole Barnes.

After getting a traffic ticket, Barnes received a stack of advertisements in the mail from attorneys. She thinks the website offers better deals for consumers.

“Getting a bunch of mailings and envelopes from other lawyers can be overwhelming,” she said. “(The website) gives you ease of mind. It takes a lot of stress off you because you're already stressed because you're already in a situation you really don't want to be in. And getting help that way makes it a whole lot easier.”

Raleigh attorney Walter Rand said he thinks the site’s success will continue.

“I think it will grow and get bigger and bigger,” he said. “The bigger it gets, the more efficient and better it will work.”

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