Senior Deputy General Counsel

Seattle Housing Authority; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

PERS retirement system

Generous paid leave and holidays

Part-time remote work possibility

Job summary

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) seeks a Senior Deputy General Counsel to guide legal services for SHA programs and activities. The role focuses on real estate matters, bond issues, tax credit development, and procurement regulations, while acting as back-up to the General Counsel when needed.

Ideal candidates bring seven+ years of progressive legal experience, WSBA admission in good standing, and strong writing plus advocacy skills. SHA values strength in collaboration and community impact.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school (JD)
• Active Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing
• At least seven years of progressive professional legal experience
• Strong knowledge of US Code, HUD, EEOC, and WA state regulations
• Strong legal analysis and researching skills
• Experience in real estate, public bonds, tax credit development, and procurement regulations
• Excellent legal writing and documentation skills
• Experience supervising and training staff
• Ability to work with diverse clients and stakeholders with professional courtesy

Responsibilities

• Assist the General Counsel in providing comprehensive legal services to SHA and its employees
• Focus on real estate matters, bond issues, tax credit development, purchasing and procurement issues, and contracts
• Serve as acting General Counsel in the absence of the General Counsel
• Handle highly complex legal matters with no established precedent
• Advise on SHA programs, low-income housing operations, and federally funded housing voucher programs
• Address landlord-tenant matters, including unlawful detainer litigation and compliance with laws
• Represent SHA in court and administrative hearings
• Prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and support case preparation
• Advise on fraud-related matters involving vouchers, HAP contracts, and employee misconduct
• Respond to complaints and civil rights matters
• Demonstrate analytical and legal research skills to provide clear opinions
• Advise on procurement, public financing, tax-credit properties, LLC structures, and finance-related matters
• Prepare, review, and revise contracts and interlocal agreements
• Supervise, evaluate and train staff

Skills

Law practice

Regulatory compliance

Real estate law

Public bonds

Tax credit development

Federal purchasing

Contract drafting

Litigation & advocacy

Legal research

Staff supervision

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We offer competitive salary, great benefits, and work that matters to our community. The Organization: The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a mission-driven leader in affordable housing, headquartered on Elliott Avenue West with sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. With additional field offices across Seattle, we’re committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive.

The position:We’re looking for a Senior Deputy General Counsel to join our team! This role is perfect for someone who can work under the direction of the General Counsel and provide legal counsel, guidance, and recommendations on all SHA programs and activities. This role represents SHA in court, administrative hearings, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings; prepares a wide range of legal documents; and oversees, trains, and evaluates assigned staff. The Senior Deputy General Counsel also serves as the designated back-up to the General Counsel and must be prepared to assume the responsibilities of the General Counsel in their absence. In particular, this role will focus on real estate matters, bond issues, tax credit development, federal purchasing and procurement regulations, contracts, and other transactional work.

The Location: 101 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

The ideal candidate will have:

• Graduated from an accredited law school
• Active Washington State Bar Association membership and be in good standing with WSBA
• At least seven years of progressive professional legal experience
• Strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to SHA programs, including the United States Code, HUD regulations, EEOC regulations, the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington State Administrative Code
• Strong legal analysis and researching skills
• Strong knowledge and experience in the areas of real estate, public bonds, tax credit development, and federal purchasing and procurement regulations
• Knowledge of court and administrative procedures, and the ability to demonstrate strong advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing skills, and experience preparing legal documents such as pleadings, contracts, and leases
• Strong record-keeping and documentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a wide variety of clients, as well as a documented history of working with tact and professional courtesy
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Experience establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• The ability to learn and adapt to new technology systems and tools
• The ability to independently plan and organize work, meeting all schedules and timelines

What will you do?

• Assist the General Counsel in providing comprehensive legal services and representation to SHA and its employees
• Focus on serving departments with real estate matters, bond issues, tax credit development, purchasing and procurement issues, and contracts or agreements
• Serve as acting General Counsel in the absence of the General Counsel
• Handle highly complex legal matters, including issues with no established legal precedent
• Advise on SHA programs, low-income housing operations, and federally funded housing voucher programs
• Address landlord-tenant matters, including unlawful detainer litigation, termination notices, non-payment issues, and compliance with state local, and federal law
• Represent SHA in court and administrative hearings
• Prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and perform interviews necessary for litigation and case preparation
• Advise and represent staff in matters involving fraudulent activities related to vouchers, HAP contracts, and employee misconduct, including drafting documents for fund recovery
• Respond to complaints and civil rights matters

• Demonstrate analytical and legal research skills with the ability to provide clear, well-reasoned legal opinions
• Demonstrate proficiency advising on procurement, purchasing, public financing, tax-credit properties, LLC structures, and other finance-related legal matters
• Prepare, review, and revise contracts, MOUs, letters of agreement, interlocal agreements, and other legal documents

• Supervise, evaluate and provide training to staff

For additional information on the job, please see the full job description.

Why Should You Apply?

• Our Culture: SHA offers a supportive, energetic workplace where collaboration and growth thrive. Our talented team has helped make us a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development.
• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits
  1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  2. Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
  3. Generous paid leave and holidays
• Work-Life Balance
  1. Reasonable hours
  2. Opportunity for part-time remote work (dependent on the position)
• Professional Development
  1. On-the-job training and growth opportunities

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Our Commitment to Equity

SHA values your unique background and perspective - we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Learn more in our diversity and application equity statement.