Chief Counsel
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Ginevra “Giny” Chandler was appointed chief counsel of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) on February 3, 2005. She oversees the department’s legal office and provides legal advice to the director. The legal office provides guidance to program staff to assist with decision-making in areas that may have legal implications and ensures compliance with state and federal law. Chandler works proactively to institute process improvements and provide staff training in areas of legal concern. In addition, Chandler oversees litigation and coordinates representation with the Attorney General’s office.

Prior to serving at CAL FIRE, Chandler was a partner in a private law firm in Ukiah, California where she specialized in land use and natural resources law. She has extensive experience in public agency law both as a private attorney and as a deputy county counsel for land use in Humboldt County and previously in Marin County.

Chandler was awarded a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 1990 where she was on the Law Review. She also has a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University in applied voice and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College. Chandler gained her interest in land use and natural resources issues in part through her outside interests, which include cycling, cross country skiing, whitewater kayaking and backpacking - basically any human powered outdoor sport.