It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Hannah Schaller.
Hannah was a remarkable attorney whose contributions to the field of privacy were uniquely impactful. She had an extraordinary ability to untangle complex privacy issues, and excelled at translating complicated legal requirements into actionable, effective strategies. Her talents were beyond her years, and her dedication left a lasting mark on the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hannah was a committed and influential member of the broader privacy community, particularly in the D.C. area. She actively engaged with various industry groups, generously sharing her knowledge and mentorship. As the KnowledgeNet Chair for the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ Washington, D.C. chapter, she guided discussions, fostered collaboration, and helped shape the future of privacy best practices. She was passionate about supporting younger attorneys and law students looking to enter the privacy field, including by speaking at events and on podcasts to share her insights and unique career path.
But above all, we will remember Hannah for who she was as a person. She exuded joy and approached life with deep curiosity, always eager to learn, connect, and uplift those around her. Her caring nature, inclusivity, and warmth made her not only a trusted colleague, but also a cherished friend. Hannah’s passion extended beyond privacy and the law. She loved birdwatching, writing poetry, gardening, and exploring nature—and she enjoyed teaching others about her interests and learning about theirs with the same enthusiasm and generosity that defined her professional life.
Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy—of innovation, leadership, curiosity, and kindness—will endure in all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.
Rest in peace, Hannah. You will be greatly missed.
Memorial Services & Community Submissions
A requiem for Hannah will be held on March 15th at 10:00 AM at Saint Matthew’s Church (2300 Ford Road, Newport Beach, California 92660), with a private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those interested consider making a donation to the Audubon Society in Hannah’s memory.
ZwillGen will also be honoring Hannah in a variety of ways throughout the year, including by renaming aspects of its Fellowship program for young attorneys in her honor. We will also be working with the broader privacy community to create new opportunities for aspiring lawyers in her name. More to come on these initiatives soon.
If you would like to share a story about how Hannah touched your life, please send to kimberly@zwillgen.com. ZwillGen will compile these memories to pass them along to her family.
