About Michelle

Michelle Chen is an associate in Stoel Rives’ Real Estate group. Michelle is an experienced problem solver working at the intersection of legal, public policy, and finance. She has extensive knowledge of real estate and land use matters from her work in government on affordable housing and community development projects in Seattle.

Before joining Stoel Rives, Michelle held several positions with the City of Seattle: general counsel with the Mayor’s Office (2018–2021), deputy city attorney in the City Attorney’s Office (2017–2018), senior policy advisor with the Office of Planning Community Development (2015–2017), strategic partnerships manager in the Office of the Waterfront (2014–2015), senior policy advisor with the Office of Policy & Management (2006–2010), and regional affairs manager with the Office of Intergovernmental Relations (2004–2006). From 2011 to 2014, she was policy & program manager with the Seattle Housing Authority. Earlier in her career, Michelle was an attorney in private practice and legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.