Senior Deputy General Counsel

About 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, SHA is committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive.

About the Role

SHA is seeking a Senior Deputy General Counsel to work under the direction of the General Counsel, providing legal counsel, guidance, and recommendations on all SHA programs and activities. The 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 General Counsel’s responsibilities in their absence.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Active Washington State Bar Association membership and 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 research skills.
• Strong knowledge and experience in real estate, public bonds, tax‑credit development, and federal purchasing and procurement regulations.
• Knowledge of court and administrative procedures with strong advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal writing skills and experience preparing pleadings, contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
• Strong record‑keeping and documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a wide variety of clients, demonstrated 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Work‑life balance
• Professional development opportunities

Culture

SHA offers a supportive, energetic workplace where collaboration and growth thrive. The talented team has helped make SHA a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development.

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.