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 with experience in real estate finance law for an Assistant City Attorney position in the Contracts & Utilities Section of the Civil Division. This position specializes in affordable housing real estate finance and supports Seattle’s Office of Housing in structuring, documenting, closing, and refinancing loans for affordable housing development and preservation. |
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.
Responsibilities
-
Job Responsibilities
-
- Represent the Office of Housing in large commercial real estate finance transactions, primarily involving multi-family real estate.
- Manage all aspects of transactions from inception through closing and post-closing, including reviewing due diligence, title commitments, exceptions, surveys, insurance and other related matters.
- Handle asset management and workout scenarios as necessary.
- Draft, negotiate, and review complex transaction documents and related agreements.
- Structure, review, and negotiate layered financing transactions involving public and private sources, including LIHTC equity, HUD programs (HOME, CDBG, Section 202), and tax-exempt bonds.
- Draft and negotiate real estate and financial 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 strategic legal advice based on thorough research and analysis of real estate finance issues.
- Collaborate effectively with the Office of Housing, developers, banks, and other lawyers and stakeholders to ensure smooth transaction processes.
- Draft and maintain form loan documents.
- Develop and maintain templates and procedures for internal use related to structuring, due diligence, and loan documentation.
- Stay informed about legal developments and market trends affecting real estate finance.
- Provide transactional and day-to-day legal advice and identify legal issues and risk.
- Support loan portfolio oversight and asset management by advising on loan modifications, compliance, restructuring, potential default, and foreclosure.
- Review, draft, and advise on legislation and policy matters presented by elected and non-elected officials.
- Carry out job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.
- As may be required, advise on legal issues related to affordable housing policy.
Qualifications
-
Qualifications
-
Successful performance of the above-described responsibilities requires:
- Two or more years of experience practicing real estate finance law or a combination of legal experience and relevant experience in affordable housing or real estate development transactions,
- Demonstrated experience in loan origination work for structured commercial real estate finance transactions,
- Proven ability to manage transactions from inception to closing, including post-closing,
- 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,
- Experience coordinating among public agencies, lenders, and developers to close transactions with multiple layers of financing,
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing finance tools, including LIHTC, HUD programs (e.g. HOME, CDGB), and tax-exempt bond financing,
- Familiarity with affordability covenants, regulatory agreements, and long-term compliance considerations, and
- Understanding of complex ownership structures involving not for profit organizations, public entities, for profit entities and other guarantors.
Additionally, the most successful candidates will have one or more of the following:
- Passion for providing affordable housing in the City of Seattle,
- Expertise in affordable housing finance tools, including HUD multifamily programs, LIHTC equity structuring, and other government-related financing,
- Demonstrated relevant government or business experience, such as working in-house at a municipal entity,
- 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 offer of employment.
Application Process
Additional Information
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office seeks to set salaries based on objective measures of experience. Salaries typically are not subject to negotiation. In addition to salary, the City provides a generous benefit package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, generous leave and paid time off policies, as well as pension and retirement account options.
Application Process– For your application to be accepted you must:
- Complete the online City of Seattle Application
- Include the following required attachments:
- .
- Complete the City online application,
- Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience,
- Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the above qualifications, and
- Attach a memo, brief, or other writing sample, (maximum 5 pages) where you were the primary author, preferably related to real estate, finance, or public law.
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. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits – 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.
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, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney’s Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov
