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.
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
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