Maria Aouad

Associate
About

Maria Aouad is a mid-level associate in the Tech & Sourcing team. Maria is a tech-enthusiast lawyer who advises French and foreign companies on issues relating to IT and digital projects, from a risk management and/or contractual perspectives and with a specific focus on AI and data-related matters, including the EU digital legislative landscape.

Maria has developed specific expertise in AI and open‑source technologies and has advised on complex strategic digital projects, including the drafting and negotiation of complex agreements involving very high financial stakes. She has experience across a wide range of legal and commercial issues arising from the deployment of AI in business.

She notably completed a six‑month secondment with a major worldwide company in the aviation sector, supporting its AI department in the design and implementation of an AI governance strategy.

Maria is a core member of the firm’s AI practice, working cross‑office with international specialists, and has contributed to the drafting of the widely shared CIGREF guide on AI compliance, helping companies navigate regulatory, operational and governance‑related AI risks.

Professional QualificationsAvocat admitted to the Paris Bar

EXPERIENCE

  • Assisting several large groups (retail and insurance sectors) in the negotiation of outsourcing projects framework contracts and application maintenance services contracts.
  • Assisting a French AssurTech group in the sale of its subsidiary specialized in reinsurance software.
  • Assisting a railway manufacturer in the structuration of IT and cloud services.
  • Assisting a cosmetology group in the preliminary phases of its compliance with the future AI-Act.
  • Assisting a leading international IT provider in the compliance of its software with open-source licenses.
     
Languages
  • French
  • English
Education
  • Certificate of aptitude for the profession of Avocat (lawyer) (CAPA), 2021
  • University of Paris Descartes, Master in Digital Law, 2019
  • University of Panthéon-Assas, Master in Corporate law, 2017

Publications

Prior Experience

  • Internships in IT practice groups of French and American law firms.
  • In-house lawyer in a telecommunications operator and a crowdfunding company.