Senior Software Engineer

Sidley Austin LLP (IL LLP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP, a leading global law firm, seeks a Software Engineer to join the Data & AI Engineering team in Chicago. The role covers full‑stack development with .NET, React/Next.js, and Azure, offering growth for both experienced and early‑career engineers through mentorship and hands‑on ownership.

You’ll help design scalable features, participate in code reviews, and collaborate with product managers and designers to deliver new capabilities while staying current with emerging tech and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of full‑stack software development experience.
• Strong experience with React, .NET, Next.js, and Azure or similar stacks.
• Proven ability to design and build scalable APIs and/or microservices.
• Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
• Experience with Git and Agile development practices.
• Deliver production‑quality software with reliability, observability, and maintainability.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain scalable full‑stack applications using modern technologies (e.g., .NET, React/Next.js, Azure).
• Contribute to feature delivery from design through deployment and production support.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers to define and deliver new capabilities.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code with focus on performance and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews to improve code quality and share knowledge.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and system improvements.
• Monitor and improve application performance across frontend, APIs, and databases.
• Apply security best practices including authentication and data protection.
• Partner with DevOps to support CI/CD pipelines and cloud deployments on Azure.
• Mentor senior engineers or learn from them as you grow ownership.

Skills

React

TypeScript

C#

Java

Python

Azure

Next.js

APIs

Git

Agile

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure Container Apps

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Azure

Job description

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Data & AI Engineering team to build modern, scalable web applications using technologies such as React, .NET, Next.js, and Azure. This role is open to both experienced engineers and high-potential early-career candidates (e.g., recent Master’s graduates in Computer Science or related fields). Responsibilities and level of ownership will be calibrated based on experience. Experienced candidates will take ownership of complex features, contribute to architectural decisions, and help raise engineering standards across the team. Early-career candidates will work closely with experienced engineers, contributing to meaningful features while developing strong production engineering skills through mentorship and hands‑on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain scalable full-stack applications using modern technologies (e.g., .NET, React/Next.js, Azure).
• Contribute to the delivery of features from technical design through implementation, deployment, and production support (scope based on experience).
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers to define and deliver new capabilities.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code, with attention to performance and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews, both as an author and reviewer, to improve code quality and share knowledge.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and propose improvements to systems and development practices.
• Monitor and improve application performance, including front‑end rendering, APIs, and database interactions.
• Apply security best practices in application development, including authentication, authorization, and data protection.
• Partner with DevOps to support CI/CD pipelines and cloud deployments on Azure.
• For experienced engineers: mentor and support other engineers through collaboration, pairing, and feedback.
• For early‑career engineers: actively learn through mentorship, pairing, and feedback, and progressively take on more ownership over time.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.

Education and/or Experience Requirements

• For Experienced (Senior‑Level) Candidates:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of experience in full‑stack software development.
  • Strong experience with modern web technologies (e.g., React, .NET, Next.js, Azure or similar stacks).
  • Proven ability to design and build scalable APIs and/or microservices.
  • Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
  • Experience with version control (Git) and Agile development practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver production‑quality software with strong attention to reliability, observability, and maintainability.
• For Early‑Career Candidates:
  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and system design concepts.
  • Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., C#, TypeScript, Java, Python).
  • Hands‑on experience through internships, research, or substantial academic/personal projects.
  • Familiarity with web development concepts (front‑end frameworks, APIs, databases, or cloud platforms).
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, solve problems, and apply concepts in practical settings.
  • Preferred: Experience with containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Azure Container Apps).
  • Familiarity with cloud‑native and serverless architectures.
  • Experience with automated testing frameworks and best practices.
  • Exposure to Azure or other major cloud platforms.
  • Experience building or integrating AI‑enabled features (e.g., search, summarization, knowledge assistants) or working with LLM/AI services.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

The target salary range for this role is: $93,900 - $153,600 if located in Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Washington, D.C., or California. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources). Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance-driven culture to join our team. We encourage you to explore current openings and check back for future opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and career goals.

Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross-border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.