Assistant City Attorney - Office of Housing | Contracts & Utilities | Civil Division

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office is seeking qualified candidates for an Assistant City Attorney position in the Contracts & Utilities Section of the Civil Division. This position is one of two attorneys who provide legal services to support the City’s low-income and affordable housing and community development programs. The attorney will advise Seattle’s Office of Housing and City leadership on such housing programs and related agreements.

In addition to this opportunity to join a team that is dedicated to public service and that works collaboratively together, the City Attorney’s Office offers a generous benefit program which includes paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, low-cost health benefits, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program.

• Represent and advise the Office of Housing on legal issues related to housing policy with an emphasis on affordable housing. 

• Review, draft, and advise on city and state legislation and policy matters presented by elected and non-elected officials.

• Provide strategic legal advice based on thorough research and analysis of legal issues.
• Draft, negotiate, and review complex transaction documents and related agreements, including permanently affordable homeownership transactions.
• Draft and negotiate real estate documents, including leases and construction documents of various types, including tax credit and tax-exempt bond transactions, and ensure related transactions are compliant with relevant laws and regulations. 
• Provide transactional and day-to-day legal advice and identify legal issues and risk. 

• Carry out job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Successful performance of the above-described responsibilities requires: 

• Three or more years of experience practicing law or a combination of legal experience and relevant experience in affordable housing,
• Proficiency in drafting and negotiating complex legal documents, 
• Demonstrated ability to function successfully in a fast-paced environment, 
• Effective legal written and oral communication, 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and capacity to provide strategic advice,
• High attention to detail, 
• Ability to handle complex assignments independently and a variety of tasks simultaneously,
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with City department representatives and other attorneys,
• Familiarity with affordability covenants, regulatory agreements, condominium documents, lease agreement, and long-term compliance considerations, and
• Understanding of complex ownership structures involving not for profit organizations, public entities, for profit entities, community land trusts, and other guarantors.   

Additionally, the most successful candidates will have one or more of the following:   

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing finance tools and incentive tools, such as the multifamily tax exemption (MFTE) program, Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA), LIHTC, HUD programs (e.g. HOME, CDGB), tax-exempt bond financing, and the Washington State Housing Trust Fund
• Passion for providing affordable housing in the City of Seattle,
• Demonstrated relevant government or business experience, such as working in-house at a municipal entity or advising government entities on affordable housing,
• An understanding of shared equity homeownership models, including community land trusts and cooperatives, 
• Understanding of how affordable housing policy intersects with racial equity, displacement mitigation, and equitable development, 
• Municipal law practice experience, or a demonstrated interest in public service and law practice, and
• The ability to think critically, creatively, and strategically under pressure of tight deadlines.   

This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or licensure in another state, with the ability to complete the process of obtaining membership within two months of the offer of employment.

Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  1. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Include the following required attachments in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format: 
  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position.
  2. Resume detailing your relevant experience. 
  3. Attach a memo, brief, or other writing sample (maximum five pages) where you were the primary author.

Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting.  Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc., will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.  Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.  We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Compensation – Salaries of Assistant City Attorneys in the Civil Division of the Seattle City Attorney's Office are based on years of relevant legal experience. For example, the 2025 annual salary is $116,130.72 for someone with up to one year of experience, $160,653.39 for someone with ten years of experience, and $181,282.83 for someone with at least 20 years of experience.  The full salary range for this position is $55.61 - $89.50 per hour.  Salaries are not subject to negotiation.

Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.   

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.