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Steven Ngo, Senior Counsel at Rivian, sat down with Zak Biggs to discuss lawyer wellness, the stigma surrounding dads taking parental leave, and why his work is more tech than tires.

ZB: What would surprise our readers about your work at Rivian?

SN: Most folks hear Rivian and think EVs, but the business is actually more about tech than cars. I spend my days alongside engineers, product managers, and coders. I’m the lead Canadian lawyer and part of a team of over 100 lawyers globally. My focus is on everything from software and AI chips to privacy and regulatory issues.

ZB: What’s one time you turned a legal “no” into a better business move?

SN: When Rivian wanted to launch in Quebec, the province’s strict French-language laws seemed like a legal roadblock. Instead of just flagging the problem, I pushed us to fully embrace localization: we translated everything and ensured our customer experience truly resonated with Quebecers.

We turned this compliance matter into a major business win. Our launch was a hit, the media loved it, and customers felt seen.

ZB: What made you speak up about mental health in law?

SN: A few years into my legal career, I was living the so-called dream—working abroad, posting glamorous photos—but inside I was completely burnt out. I started opening up to peers and realized many of us were quietly dealing with anxiety and depression, but nobody felt safe talking about it.

So I launched “Beyond the A,” organizing panels at law schools across Canada. At our first event, the lecture hall was packed—proof that lawyers were hungry for these conversations. My goal is to make it easier for others to get the support I wish I’d had.

ZB: What needs to change about how law sees fatherhood?

SN: Law needs to drop the stigma around parental leave for dads. Even now, if a male lawyer takes time off for a new child—especially if he’s on the partnership track—people question his commitment. That old-school thinking is out of touch with reality: most families today need two incomes, and parenting isn’t just a “mom’s job” anymore.

Firms are struggling with high attrition, and one reason is that lawyers often don’t feel supported as parents. To keep great talent, firms need to normalize dads taking leave.

Follow Steven Ngo on LinkedIn .