Role Overview

Join Rivian as a Law Clerk - Intellectual Property in Irvine, California, and dive into the heart of innovation at a leading EV manufacturer. Rivian is redefining adventure with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles, pushing boundaries in autonomy/ADAS, AI, and manufacturing technologies. This internship empowers current law students to support the IP team in building a robust patent portfolio that safeguards Rivian's groundbreaking inventions.

As a Law Clerk, you'll assist with patent application drafting, prior art analysis, and cutting-edge IP operations, including AI-enabled workflows. Perfect for rising 3L or 2L students with technical backgrounds, this role offers real-world experience in patent law within the fast-paced automotive tech sector. Eligibility requires active enrollment in an accredited program with graduation between December 2026 and May 2027. Strengthen Rivian's IP strategy while gaining skills for your patent bar journey.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

Take ownership of critical IP tasks that directly impact Rivian's future products:

• Draft and refine patent applications and claims for hardware, software, and AI-related inventions using inventor disclosures and technical docs.
• Conduct prior art searches and patent landscape reviews to assess patentability for vehicle, battery, autonomy, and AI tech.
• Support prosecution activities, reviewing search reports, claim amendments, and examiner communications under supervision.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with IP attorneys, patent agents, and engineers to clarify concepts and align with roadmaps.
• Contribute to IP operations, experimenting with Generative AI agents for invention harvesting, drafting, and reporting.
• Prepare draft responses and recommendations to USPTO actions.
• Document key innovations across EV platforms, autonomy/ADAS, AI, and manufacturing.
• Manage multiple matters while incorporating feedback efficiently.
• Reduce IP risk for current and future Rivian products through proactive strategies.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive in this Intellectual Property Law Clerk role at Rivian, bring these qualifications:

• Current full-time law student (rising 3L or 2L with patent experience) in accredited program, passionate about patent law and tech.
• Undergrad degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related, with AI/ML or data science exposure.
• Patent law coursework, clinic experience, or USPTO familiarity; AI/IP interest a plus.
• Proven technical analysis and clear writing for legal/technical audiences (e.g., research, AI projects).
• Patent bar eligibility (engineering/physics/biotech degree preferred).
• Analytical, organized, collaborative skills; 40+ hours/week availability M-F.
• Excellent oral/written communication and AI tool comfort.

Rivian values diverse backgrounds united by a love for the outdoors and innovation.

Salary & Benefits

Earn a competitive $35.00-$51.00/hour (Irvine, CA), translating to roughly $72,800-$106,080 annually for full-time equivalent. Position within range based on experience, skills, and location. Rivian offers:

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Medical insurance and comprehensive benefits package.
• Explore full details at rivianbenefits.com.
• Professional growth in EV/AI sectors.
• Pathway to full-time opportunities post-graduation.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building vehicles; we're accelerating the future of sustainable adventure. Work on real-world challenges in EV platforms, battery tech, autonomy/ADAS, AI, and manufacturing. Our team of curious, courageous innovators challenges the status quo daily. As an equal opportunity employer, Rivian fosters diversity and inclusion. Gain unparalleled experience protecting inventions that keep the world adventurous—emissions-free. Irvine, CA location offers vibrant tech hub access with outdoor proximity. Don't miss this chance to launch your IP career at a mission-driven company.

Interns like you help reframe problems and pioneer solutions in unknown territories. With a strong patent portfolio, Rivian stays ahead in the competitive EV landscape against Tesla, Lucid, and more. Your contributions will reduce risks and fuel innovation for generations.

How to Apply

Ready to protect the future of adventure? Apply now for the Law Clerk - Intellectual Property role at Rivian in Irvine, CA. Verify your student status (graduation Dec 2026-May 2027) and ensure university compliance. Submit your resume, transcript, and cover letter highlighting patent/tech experience. Join Rivian's IP team today and shape tomorrow's technologies. Positions fill fast—apply immediately via Rivian careers site!