Junior software developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Software Developerposition. This position may be filled remotely in any city with a Husch Blackwell office, or in any of our office locations.

The Software Developer designs, develops, and deploys modern, AI-driven solutions that enhance collaboration, automation, and knowledge access across the organization. This role focuses on implementing enterprise-grade AI applications and intelligent workflow systems using C#/.NET Core, Azure-native services, and emerging AI platforms such as Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio. Strong expertise in Azure App Services, Azure Functions (including Durable Functions), event-driven architecture, messaging systems, and cloud-based application development is essential.

This position collaborates with cross-functional technical and business teams to deliver scalable AI-enabled solutions, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) knowledge systems, AI agents, secure APIs, and integrated cloud applications. The Artificial Intelligence Implementation Analyst supports the full lifecycle from requirements gathering and architecture through development, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Essential functions include:

• Defines, analyzes, and evaluates organizational needs relating to AI-enabled solutions, automation, and collaboration technologies.
• Partners with stakeholders to gather requirements and design scalable, secure, and maintainable AI applications.
• Leads development of modern solutions using C# and .NET Core/.NET 8.
• Develops and deploys cloud-native applications on Azure using: Azure Web Apps / App Services Azure Function Apps Durable Functions for orchestrated AI workflows
• Implements event-driven and distributed system patterns leveraging: Azure Service Bus Asynchronous messaging and integration frameworks
• Builds AI-powered solutions using: Azure AI Foundry Azure OpenAI (chat models, embeddings, vector search) Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures AI agents and orchestration frameworks Develops intelligent copilots and assistants using Copilot Studio, integrating enterprise data and workflows
• Designs and maintains secure APIs and backend services integrating with: Azure SQL Database Enterprise document repositories and business systems Builds containerized workloads using Docker and supports modern deployment strategies
• Implements observability, telemetry, and performance monitoring through: Azure Application Insights Logging, tracing, and alerting best practices
• Develops and maintains CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions to ensure reliable automated deployments.
• Supports Azure governance and security requirements, including identity, compliance, and networking controls.
• Provides quality assurance, documentation, and knowledge transfer for developed AI systems.
• Responds to escalated production issues and provides technical leadership in root cause resolution.
• Other duties as assigned by IT leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and commensurate experience required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in enterprise application development, AI implementation, or cloud-based engineering, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Ability to work independently in resolving complex production issues and making recommendations to remediate enterprise application problems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Legal industry experience a plus, but not required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in: C#, .NET Core/.NET 8, Cloud-native backend development and API design Azure App Services, Azure Web Apps, Azure Functions Durable Functions and orchestrated workflows Azure Service Bus and event-driven architecture Azure SQL and relational database development Docker and container-based deployments Application monitoring with Azure Application Insights Experience implementing AI-enabled systems using: Azure AI Foundry Azure OpenAI services Embeddings, vector search, and RAG pipelines AI agent frameworks and automation patterns Copilot Studio or conversational AI platforms Experience with source control and CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Git Understanding of Azure infrastructure concepts including: VNets, Private Endpoints, DNS, firewalls, secure networking Identity and access management (Entra ID)

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $116,000 - $237,000
• State of Colorado: $107,000 - $191,000
• State of Illinois: $105,000 - $204,000
• State of Massachusetts: $116,000 - $222,000
• State of Maryland: $113,000 - $171,000
• State of Minnesota: $116,000 - $192,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $126,000 - $229,000
• State of New York: $108,000 - $234,000
• State of Vermont: $115,000 - $220,000
• State of Washington: $113,000 - $214,000
• Washington, $150,000 - $220,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus, however bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.