It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hannah Schaller, an exceptional privacy and AI attorney who was a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend. Her untimely death last week has left the legal community in Washington, D.C., and the broader privacy law sector devastated. Known for her brilliance, unparalleled work ethic, and genuine kindness, Hannah’s impact on both her field and the people around her is immeasurable. This detailed tribute seeks to honor her legacy, explore her career accomplishments, and reflect on the personal qualities that made her a standout individual.

Hannah’s passing has left a significant void in the legal and privacy communities, particularly for those who were fortunate enough to work alongside her. Her contributions to privacy law, as well as her dedication to mentoring the next generation of attorneys, make her a remarkable figure whose memory will continue to inspire long after her death. While the grief surrounding her passing is still fresh, it is important to reflect on her life in full — her background, her career achievements, her personal passions, and the ways she touched the lives of others.

Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Legal Visionary

Hannah Schaller was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where she first developed an interest in law and justice. From a young age, it was clear that Hannah possessed a sharp intellect and a passion for helping others. She graduated from a prestigious high school in the D.C. area, where she excelled academically and actively participated in extracurricular activities, including debate and community service. Her talent for argumentation and her interest in policy discussions set the stage for her future career in law.

After high school, Hannah attended a renowned university, where she further honed her critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Her academic excellence earned her a place in a competitive law school, where she stood out for her sharp mind and dedication to her studies. During her time in law school, Hannah focused on privacy law, recognizing early on the importance of data protection in an increasingly digital world. Her coursework and internships allowed her to explore the complexities of privacy regulations and the legal frameworks surrounding technology and artificial intelligence.

Graduating near the top of her class, Hannah’s legal career was off to a promising start. She had already earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for privacy rights and an emerging thought leader in the field of technology law. Her law school professors and mentors quickly recognized her potential, offering her opportunities to build her expertise and career.

Professional Career: Privacy and AI Law Expert

Hannah Schaller’s career trajectory was marked by rapid growth, as she built a reputation as one of the leading experts in privacy and AI law. After passing the bar, she joined ZwillGen, a well-regarded law firm specializing in privacy law and data protection. At ZwillGen, Hannah quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted advisor to clients across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Her ability to distill complex privacy regulations into actionable strategies made her a go-to expert for companies navigating the legal landscape of data protection.

One of Hannah’s most significant contributions was her work on issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and privacy, an emerging area of law that has become increasingly critical in today’s digital age. As AI technology continues to advance, it raises new ethical and legal questions, particularly in relation to privacy rights and data security. Hannah’s legal expertise allowed her to address these questions head-on, ensuring that organizations could innovate while also respecting individuals’ privacy.

In her capacity as a privacy attorney, Hannah played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards for data privacy, helping clients develop privacy policies that complied with global regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Her legal work in these areas was not only groundbreaking but also essential in helping organizations safeguard their data practices.

Beyond her legal expertise, Hannah’s work as an educator and mentor was perhaps the most enduring aspect of her career. As KnowledgeNet Chair for the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ (IAPP) Washington, D.C. chapter, she was instrumental in fostering collaboration within the privacy community. She worked tirelessly to organize events, conferences, and discussions that brought together legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers to address pressing issues in the field.

Hannah was particularly passionate about mentoring young attorneys and law students, offering guidance, insight, and support to those entering the field. She frequently spoke at industry events and podcasts, sharing her knowledge and career experiences with the next generation of privacy professionals. Her ability to make complicated legal concepts accessible to others was one of her many strengths, and she took pride in helping others navigate the often challenging landscape of privacy law.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement: A Life Beyond Law

While Hannah’s career was marked by tremendous professional success, she also led a vibrant and fulfilling personal life. Outside of her work, she had a deep love for nature, which was reflected in her hobbies and personal interests. One of her greatest passions was birdwatching, an activity that allowed her to connect with the natural world and unwind after the demands of her legal career. Her knowledge of local wildlife and her commitment to preserving nature were well-known among her colleagues and friends.

In addition to birdwatching, Hannah enjoyed gardening and poetry. She often shared her favorite poems with close friends and colleagues, using the art form as a way to express her emotions and reflect on the world around her. Her creativity and intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the legal field, and she often found peace and inspiration in the quiet moments of nature and art.

Hannah’s love for nature was also demonstrated through her commitment to environmental causes. She was an active supporter of conservation organizations, such as the Audubon Society, which advocates for the preservation of birds and their habitats. Her family and friends remember her as someone who cared deeply about the environment and worked to raise awareness about the importance of protecting natural spaces.

As an active member of her community, Hannah was also involved in several local organizations, offering her time and resources to various causes. Whether it was volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring underprivileged youth, or organizing fundraising events for nonprofit organizations, Hannah’s generosity and compassion extended well beyond her professional achievements. Her kindness and enthusiasm for helping others left an indelible mark on the people who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Tribute to Hannah’s Legacy: A Life Well-Lived

The news of Hannah’s passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her. Her colleagues at ZwillGen, where she worked for many years, have described her as a brilliant attorney and a kind-hearted individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was more than just a colleague; she was a mentor, a friend, and a role model to many. Her work at ZwillGen and within the privacy community has had a lasting impact, and her contributions will continue to influence the field for years to come.

Hannah’s family has expressed their profound grief over her passing, recalling the love and joy she brought into their lives. Her parents, siblings, and extended family remember her as someone who radiated warmth and positivity, always striving to make the world a better place. Her legacy, as both a professional and a person, will be carried on by the many lives she touched.

Memorial Services and Honoring Hannah’s Memory

To honor Hannah’s life and legacy, a requiem service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Matthew’s Church in Newport Beach, California. The service will be followed by a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Audubon Society in Hannah’s memory, reflecting her love for nature and her dedication to conservation.

In addition to the memorial service, ZwillGen will be renaming aspects of its Fellowship program for young attorneys in Hannah’s honor. This initiative aims to ensure that Hannah’s legacy of mentorship and support for aspiring lawyers continues to thrive. Further details about these initiatives will be shared soon, and her colleagues and friends are working together to create lasting opportunities for future privacy professionals in her name.

The outpouring of support for Hannah’s family and the legal community serves as a testament to her character and the positive impact she had on everyone around her. As those who knew her come together to remember her life, they are united in their desire to ensure that her memory lives on through continued advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to the privacy and legal fields.

Conclusion: A Life Remembered, A Legacy That Endures

Hannah Schaller’s passing is a tragic loss to her family, friends, colleagues, and the broader privacy law community. While she is no longer with us, her brilliant mind, kind heart, and unwavering commitment to her work and community will never be forgotten. As we reflect on her life and the impact she made on the world, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, mentorship, and the power of using one’s talents to make a difference.

Hannah’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, and her contributions to the field of privacy law will continue to inspire and guide future generations of lawyers. May she rest in peace, knowing that her work, her compassion, and her spirit will never be forgotten.