Legal Intern

ABOUT ALTA ARES Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them. Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development. ROLE & MISSION As Legal Intern, you will work directly alongside Alta Ares' Head of Finance & COO, and then Legal & IP Counsel — contributing to the company's legal operations across contracts, intellectual property, corporate law, and regulatory compliance. You will be given real work on real legal matters — drafting contracts, conducting legal research, supporting IP filing processes, and contributing to compliance projects across a multi-entity, multi-jurisdiction company operating in one of the most legally complex sectors: defence AI. You will gain hands-on exposure to a broad legal scope at a fast-scaling deeptech startup — a rare combination of intellectual depth, operational pace, and genuine mission. 1. Contracts & Commercial Law - Assist in drafting, reviewing, and proofreading commercial agreements: NDAs, teaming agreements, MoUs, subcontracting arrangements, and client contracts - Maintain and update the contract template library and contract register - Track contract execution, signature deadlines, and renewal dates - Support the preparation of responses to client contractual requirements and RFP legal sections - Conduct legal research on specific contractual or regulatory questions as they arise 2. Intellectual Property - Support the management of Alta Ares' IP portfolio: patent tracking, invention disclosure drafting, and liaison with external patent attorneys - Conduct freedom-to-operate research and prior art searches on specific technical areas - Monitor the IP competitive landscape across defence AI, C-UAS, and ISR domains - Assist in drafting IP clauses for contracts, partnership agreements, and employee/contractor documentation - Maintain the IP register and filing calendar 3. Corporate Law & Compliance - Support the maintenance of Alta Ares' multi-entity corporate structure: France (SAS), UK (Ltd), US (Inc.), Ukraine, and UAE - Assist in the preparation of corporate documents: board resolutions, shareholder documentation, and BSPCE-related paperwork - Contribute to GDPR / RGPD compliance projects: record of processing activities, DPA updates, and privacy policy reviews - Support export control compliance research: French AECA, ITAR, EAR, and dual-use regulations - Assist in legal due diligence preparation for fundraising processes 4. Legal Research & Monitoring - Conduct targeted legal research on questions spanning defence procurement law, French corporate law, IP law, and international trade regulations - Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Alta Ares: French defence law, EU defence funding regulations (EDF, EUDIS), and export control updates - Produce clear, structured legal memos summarising research findings for the Legal Counsel and leadership team - Assist in the preparation of briefing notes ahead of partner meetings, institutional interactions, and investor due diligence CANDIDATE PROFILE Education & Background - Currently enrolled in a Master's programme in law (M1 or M2): business law, IP law, international law, or a dual law/engineering or law/political science programme - Top-tier institution preferred: Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris II Assas, Sciences Po, HEC Droit des Affaires, or equivalent - Internship 3 to 6 month - Genuine interest in technology, defence, deeptech, or international security — you care about the sector, not just the legal mechanics