Houston Volunteer Lawyers has named Anne Chandler as the new Executive Director, effective June 22.

Previously serving as Executive Director of the Tahirih Justice Center’s Houston Office, Chandler brings strategic vision and leadership to her new role overseeing the nonprofit organization’s mission to provide free civil legal services to low-income people in Harris County and promote volunteerism among lawyers.

Chandler has a long history of working with volunteers, supporting legal clinics, managing grants and advocating for regional, state and federal policies that provide justice and safety to immigrant survivors of violence.

“Anne brings years of leadership and accomplishment to HVL at a time when Houston needs—more than ever—the services offered by HVL,” Bill Kroger, Houston Bar Association’s President, said.

Her diverse background also includes serving as a clinical professor for the University of Houston Law Center, Director of Immigration Legal Services for YMCA International Services, and an adjunct professor for the University of Houston Law Center and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She was also an associate attorney at Locke Lord LLP.

“We couldn’t have found a person better suited to lead HVL in its mission, especially given the challenges our community faces today,” Chris Popov, HVL board chair, said. “We feel very fortunate that Anne was available during our search.”

Chandler served on numerous Boards and Committees, including the Executive Committee of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Board of Trustees of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council, and the City of Houston’s Houston Area Council on Human Trafficking.

“I am very excited to be joining the Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ team at this time,” Chandler said. “HVL is in an ideal position to provide low-income Houstonians with a free attorney so that our community is able to remain resilient and strong as we face challenges posed by this economic downturn, systemic racial injustices, and COVID-19.”