Software Development Manager

Position Summary

The Software Development Manager is responsible for leading, mentoring, and managing a team of software developers while remaining deeply grounded in modern software development practices. This role provides technical and people leadership across the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of enterprise-grade applications supporting the firm’s legal, operational, and client service objectives.

The Software Development Manager partners closely with attorneys, practice stakeholders, product owners, Business Analysts and IT leadership to translate strategic priorities into scalable, secure, and reliable technical solutions. This role balances hands-on technical expertise with team leadership, delivery accountability, and continuous improvement across the software development lifecycle.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance.

Essential Functions

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of full stack software developers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence
• Provide technical leadership across applications developed using C#, .NET Core, ASP.NET MVC, Web API, Blazor, and Microsoft SQL Server
• Oversee design and implementation of secure, high-performing REST APIs and backend services
• Ensure strong database design and SQL Server performance optimization practices across development efforts
• Partner with stakeholders to plan, prioritize, and deliver work using Agile/Scrum and SDLC best practices
• Own delivery outcomes including scope, quality, timelines, and operational stability
• Conduct code reviews, set engineering standards, and ensure adherence to best practices for security, performance, and maintainability
• Support production systems, oversee incident resolution, and ensure root-cause analysis and long-term remediation
• Guide the effective use of AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity while maintaining engineering rigor
• Collaborate with DevOps resources on CI/CD pipelines using Git, TFS, and Azure DevOps
• Oversee development and deployment of solutions hosted in Microsoft Azure environments
• Hire, onboard, coach, and develop engineering talent, including performance management and career development

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing software engineering teams
• Strong technical credibility across modern Microsoft development technologies
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance hands-on technical guidance with people and delivery management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on business outcomes
• High standards for quality, security, performance, and operational reliability

Product & Delivery Expertise

• End-to-end software delivery leadership across the full SDLC
• Agile and Scrum leadership, including sprint planning and delivery execution
• Modern architecture patterns including REST APIs and service-oriented designs
• Advanced SQL Server performance tuning and data architecture
• Cloud-native development and deployment using Microsoft Azure
• Experience integrating external platforms and APIs, including Salesforce.com (preferred)
• Responsible and effective use of AI as a software development and management tool

Computer Skills / Office Equipment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proficient with Visual Studio, SQL Server Management Studio, Azure DevOps, and related engineering and collaboration tools.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a reputable accredited college or university required
• 10+ years of professional software development experience required
• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring software development teams required
• Strong background in C#, .NET Core, ASP.NET MVC, Web API, SQL Server, and Azure required

Benefits

• In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the expected salary range for this Colorado position is between $145,105 and $187,7
• 83. In accordance with New York State’s Wage Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this New York State position is between $133,042 and $209,8
• 98. In accordance with California’s amended labor code as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $136,643 and $209,8
• 98. In accordance with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities act, the expected salary range for this Washington position is between $151,601 and $196,1
• 89. In accordance with the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act, the expected salary range for this DC position is between $151,601 and $196,1
• 89. In accordance with Maryland’s Equal Pay for Equal Work-Wage Range Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this Baltimore position is between $136,643 and $176,8
• 32. In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act Transparency Notice, the expected salary range for this Illinois position is between $151,601 and $196,1
• 89. In accordance with Massachusetts Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, the expected salary range for this Massachusetts position is between $162,194 and $209,8
• 98. In accordance with Minnesota Pay Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this Minnesota position is between $136,643 and $176,8
• 32. In accordance with New Jersey Senate Bill 2310, the expected salary range for this New Jersey position is between $162,194 and $209,8
• 98. In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current scale range for this position in Cleveland, OH is $133,042 and $172,172 annually.
• Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.
• This position qualifies for the benefits below.
• The application deadline for this position is December 31, 2026.

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our Staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance including Dental & Vision coverage, Health Savings Account /Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Libby Naikelis at libby.naikelis@ogletree.com with "Software Development Manager" in the subject line. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Firm Overview

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category.

Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.