It was with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that ZwillGen announced the untimely passing of Hannah Schaller, a highly esteemed privacy attorney, who left an indelible mark on the legal and privacy community. On March 12, 2025, the world lost an extraordinary individual whose professional contributions and personal warmth touched the lives of many. Throughout her distinguished career, Hannah made significant strides in the field of privacy law, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire colleagues, mentors, and aspiring attorneys for years to come. This report reflects on her impactful life and career, the influence she had on those who worked with her, and the lasting contributions she made to the privacy sector.
Hannah Schaller was known for her exceptional legal expertise, particularly in the increasingly complex and evolving field of privacy law. Throughout her career, she demonstrated an unparalleled ability to dissect intricate privacy laws and transform them into clear, actionable strategies that could be easily understood and implemented by clients. This rare combination of legal acumen and practical problem-solving made her one of the most respected figures in privacy law. Her dedication to her craft and her innate ability to navigate complex legal terrain quickly set her apart from her peers, and she became a go-to expert for those seeking guidance on the intricate and ever-changing privacy regulations that businesses and individuals must follow.
In addition to her individual successes, Hannah’s work had a significant impact on the broader privacy community. She was a dedicated and active member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), serving as the KnowledgeNet Chair for the Washington, D.C. chapter. In this leadership role, Hannah was instrumental in fostering collaboration and guiding important discussions about privacy practices. Her ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including professionals, clients, and legal experts, helped shape best practices within the privacy field. Through her involvement in various industry events, podcasts, and speaking engagements, Hannah made valuable contributions to the privacy landscape. She was particularly passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of privacy professionals, offering her insights and experiences to law students and young attorneys as they navigated their way into the field.
One of the hallmarks of Hannah’s career was her unwavering commitment to mentorship. She was a tireless advocate for helping others succeed, sharing her knowledge generously and creating a nurturing environment where emerging professionals could learn and grow. Her dedication to supporting younger attorneys was especially evident in the D.C. area, where she developed strong relationships with law students, industry groups, and early-career professionals. By guiding these individuals and offering support in navigating the complexities of privacy law, Hannah helped ensure the continued success and development of the next wave of privacy experts. Her commitment to mentorship was a core part of her professional identity and one of the many ways she gave back to the community that had supported her throughout her career.
Outside of her professional achievements, Hannah was a person who exuded warmth, curiosity, and inclusivity. She approached both her personal and professional life with an open heart and an eagerness to connect with those around her. Her colleagues and friends remember her not just for her legal expertise but for her infectious enthusiasm, kindness, and generosity. Hannah had an array of personal interests that she was deeply passionate about, including birdwatching, writing poetry, gardening, and exploring nature. These interests provided her with a sense of joy and fulfillment, and she loved sharing these hobbies with others. Whether teaching others about the birds she observed or discussing her latest gardening project, Hannah’s curiosity and love for learning were always apparent. She built meaningful connections with those around her, and her friends often spoke of her warmth, empathy, and ability to make anyone feel included and valued.
Hannah’s passing represents an immense loss not only for her family, friends, and colleagues but also for the privacy law community, which has lost a visionary and a compassionate leader. Her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Yet, her legacy—shaped by her leadership, innovation, kindness, and dedication—will endure. The impact she made on the field of privacy law, the people she mentored, and the community she fostered will continue to resonate for many years to come.
Hannah Schaller’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and compassion. She was a remarkable attorney, mentor, and friend, whose contributions to privacy law and the broader legal community will never be forgotten. As we reflect on her life and the impact she made, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the honor of knowing her. May her memory serve as an inspiration to future generations of privacy professionals, and may her passion for the law, mentorship, and personal connection continue to inspire those who carry on her work.
