Whatever Happened To... An update on past news

17 displaced law students find refuge

Answer: Andrew Winer of the law firm Winer Meheula and Devens was instrumental in helping to get internships for 17 students displaced from their law schools in New Orleans, mainly at law firms and a few with state and federal judges on Oahu.

"Everything we could've ever asked for, they've done," said Robert Moore, a first-year law student at Tulane University who was hired by attorney Ian Mattoch as a law clerk.

"They've just been so helpful from every aspect. They make sure we have a comfortable stay and make sure we learn something this semester," Moore said, who is living at the Atherton YMCA.

Moore and his mother were rescued by boat by a neighbor from their New Orleans home the day after Hurricane Katrina struck. Moore said this is his first time in Hawaii.

Winer had placed a posting on a Web site saying that his firm was willing to hire a first-year law student. Inquiries from many students followed. "The floodgates started opening," he said.

Winer called other firms and judges for help. He hired Sarah Stevenson, a first-year law student from Tulane University, to work as an intern at his firm.

Sixteen of the students are from Tulane University, and one is from Loyola University.

Many lawyers have pitched in to provide internships, housing, transportation and clothing. Some lawyers who were not able to provide internships are contributing money to help finance those who were hired as unpaid interns.

Winer said he also helped Ikuko Sano, a lawyer and graduate of Tulane University, get a job at Carlsmith Ball. Sano is a 1995 graduate of Kaimuki High School.