Senior Deputy General Counsel

Seattle Housing Authority•Central Office - Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is seeking a Senior Deputy General Counsel to join their mission-driven team. This role will provide legal counsel and guidance on all SHA programs and activities, represent SHA in legal proceedings, and prepare legal documents. The Senior Deputy General Counsel will also oversee and train assigned staff and serve as the designated back-up to the General Counsel. This position will have a particular focus on real estate matters, bond issues, tax credit development, federal purchasing and procurement regulations, contracts, and other transactional work. SHA is committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and fostering a supportive workplace where people grow and thrive.

Requirements

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

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.