– Blog
Gilles is regularly distinguished by the Legal 500 directory where he is described as “very experienced” and renowned “for his sharp advice and in-depth know-how”. His practice covers French and European product law. Gilles advises major French and foreign groups on strategies for compliance with new regulations, administrative controls, disputes with competitors and market access for innovative products. He is a regular in DGCCRF and SNE litigation and regularly appears before administrative and criminal courts. Gilles obtained the first acquittal in France in a CBD case for non-conformity of French law with European law, before the Kanavape ruling.
Before creating Qolumn, Gilles co-founded the Product Law Firm and practiced for more than 10 years in international law firms (Keller & Heckman, Hogan Lovells, Simmons & Simmons).
Gilles regularly conducts professional training sessions. He has taught food litigation at the University of Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne and at AgroParisTech.
Languages : French, English
As a lawyer and then in-house counsel, Gaëlle Saint-Jalmes has developed significant expertise in food product law and regulation (nutritional and health claims, labeling, food supplements, special diets, etc.).
She also has solid experience in the regulation of cosmetic and health products (in particular medical devices), as well as in sustainable development issues applied to consumer products.
Her expertise in consumer law covers unfair commercial practices, e-commerce, sales promotion and advertising, in particular with respect to regulated products (alcohol and tobacco).
Gaëlle started her career at DDG before joining the international legal department of Danone for 4 years. She returned to the legal profession in 2018 as Counsel at Osborne Clarke, to develop the consumer and product law practice, before co-founding the firm Qolumn in 2021.
Language : French, English, German
For more than fifteen years, Pierre has developed deep expertise in food law through a rich and complementary professional background.
After completing a Master’s degree in European Union Law, he began his career at a well-regarded law firm, where he spent several years specializing in consumer and product law.
He then joined Danone as a Food Law Counsel, gaining in-depth knowledge of the operations and regulatory expectations of a major international group.
Pierre later joined a leading technical center in the food sector, where he headed the regulatory department and advised French companies of all sizes on their compliance challenges.
Drawing on this diverse experience, Pierre now brings his expertise and practical insight to support product manufacturers in navigating complex product law and regulatory compliance issues.
Languages: French, English, Italian.
Since 2022, Marine has been advising the firm’s French and international clients on a wide range of product law and regulatory issues.
She specializes in product and packaging sustainability issues (e.g., the Triman logo), compliance with the new general product safety regulation, regulatory compliance obligations applicable to e-commerce platforms, and the validation of marketing and advertising materials.
Marine gained valuable experience working in-house as a Regulatory Risk Management Intern at a large pet food company, where she honed her understanding of how adequate regulatory management can support businesses from within.
Marine holds a Master’s degree (Master 2) in European Business and Competition Law from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas.
Languages: French, English
Bérénice advises and supports the firm’s clients in managing contentious matters involving product compliance or product safety.
She assists in administrative and criminal proceedings related to product law, including DGCCRF investigations for regulatory non-compliance, preparing clients for voluntary criminal hearings, and filing appeals against administrative injunctions issued by regulatory authorities.
Before joining QOLUMN, Bérénice worked in the litigation departments of Paris-based law firms, notably in the highly regulated banking and financial sector. She also gained in-house experience within the legal department of a major luxury group.
Bérénice holds a dual degree in Law and Economics/Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Law.
Languages: French, English
Karla joined QOLUMN in 2025, where she assists clients with product law matters, market access strategies, and the management of regulatory and litigation issues.
Thanks to her academic background and experience in pharma law, Karla works more specifically with clients in the life sciences and wellness sectors, including food supplements, infant nutrition, dietary products, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Before becoming an attorney, Karla worked for two years at L’Oréal and Organon within their regulatory affairs and legal departments. She also gained experience in a biotech company specializing in precision medicine and artificial intelligence. As part of her legal training, she also completed an internship in the Life Sciences department of DLA Piper.
Karla holds two Master’s degrees: one in Health Law (Paris II Panthéon-Assas) and one in Pharmaceutical Law (Paris V Descartes).
Languages : French, English, Spanish