Hannah Schaller Washington DC Obituary, Death: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hannah Schaller, a brilliant attorney and privacy law expert, who left an indelible mark on the field of privacy law. Hannah’s untimely departure at the age of 38 has sent shockwaves throughout the privacy and technology law community.
She passed away on March 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and a deep passion for protecting individual rights in the digital age. As a leading figure in privacy law and artificial intelligence (AI), Hannah’s contributions to the field will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her and work alongside her. Hannah was a distinguished attorney at ZwillGen Law, a prominent Washington, D.C.-based law firm that specializes in privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Over the course of her career, she gained a reputation as a fierce advocate for data privacy and security, constantly staying ahead of the rapidly evolving landscape of privacy law in an era where technology continuously reshapes the way we live and work. Through her tireless work, both as a legal expert and a thought leader, she became a key voice in the ongoing conversation surrounding digital rights and the responsible use of technology. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Hannah always exhibited a sharp intellect and a deep curiosity about the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.
She attended Georgetown University Law Center, where she quickly distinguished herself as one of the brightest legal minds of her class. After graduating, Hannah chose to focus her legal career on privacy law—a field that, at the time, was still in its nascent stages but one she recognized would become increasingly critical in a world of growing digital surveillance and data breaches. Hannah’s path to becoming a recognized leader in the field of privacy law was not an easy one. She worked tirelessly to establish herself in a field that was becoming more complex by the day, and she quickly gained the respect of her colleagues and clients alike for her legal expertise, exceptional work ethic, and innovative approach to solving the challenges of privacy in the digital age.
Her work often focused on the intricate ways in which privacy and data protection intersected with the emerging realms of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, areas that became her primary areas of expertise. Her clients ranged from large multinational corporations to startups, all of whom relied on Hannah’s knowledge and advice to navigate the often murky waters of privacy laws that span multiple jurisdictions and regulations.
She understood the nuances of regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the evolving landscape of AI regulations. In addition to her private sector work, Hannah was also a respected advisor to various government agencies and policy makers on the intersection of technology and law, and she worked to shape policies that would protect individual rights while allowing innovation to flourish.
Hannah was known for her intellectual rigor and her ability to simplify complex legal matters for her clients, making privacy law more accessible and understandable. But it was her advocacy for individuals’ rights that truly set her apart. She never lost sight of the human element in her work, always emphasizing that privacy law was ultimately about protecting people from the potential harms of unchecked surveillance, data exploitation, and discrimination.
One of Hannah’s most significant contributions to the privacy field was her focus on AI and its implications for privacy and civil liberties. As artificial intelligence became more integrated into everyday life, she was determined to ensure that the technology was developed and deployed in ways that were ethically sound and legally compliant. She led initiatives that sought to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in the use of AI, recognizing that this technology could profoundly affect people’s lives in ways that were not always foreseeable.
She often spoke on panels and at conferences, sharing her insights on the need for robust privacy protections in the development and deployment of AI technologies, and advocating for laws that would ensure these tools were used responsibly. Hannah’s contributions extended beyond her legal work. She was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of privacy and technology lawyers. At ZwillGen Law, she was known as a generous and encouraging mentor, taking the time to share her wisdom and guidance with young attorneys. Her impact was felt by everyone she worked with, as she instilled in them the values of diligence, integrity, and a commitment to justice.
Her passion for privacy was matched only by her kindness and generosity of spirit. Despite her busy career, she always made time for her family and friends, who knew her as a thoughtful and loving daughter, sister, and friend. She had an infectious enthusiasm for life, and her wit and humor brought warmth to even the most challenging of situations. She believed in the power of community and was active in a variety of social causes, including those focused on education, gender equality, and the protection of civil liberties in the digital age.
As a leader in her field, Hannah was frequently sought after for her expertise, and she was often called upon to speak at conferences and write for prestigious publications. Her voice was one that brought clarity and vision to the complex, often confusing world of privacy law. She worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals’ privacy rights were respected and that laws kept pace with the rapid advances in technology. Hannah’s dedication to her work was matched only by her sense of responsibility to society, always advocating for laws that balanced the need for security and innovation with the fundamental rights of individuals.
Hannah is survived by her loving parents, Richard and Claire Schaller, her siblings Emily and James, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who were touched by her intellect, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her work. Her family and colleagues remember her as someone who was not only a brilliant attorney but also a compassionate and loving person whose legacy will continue to shape the field of privacy law for generations to come.
While the privacy law community has lost a brilliant advocate and thought leader, Hannah’s contributions will live on. Her impact on the field of privacy law, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and data protection, will continue to resonate for years to come. Her work set a high bar for future privacy professionals and her advocacy will remain a guiding light in the fight for data protection and civil liberties in the digital age.
A memorial service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral, with details to be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Hannah’s honor to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization she supported throughout her career, which advocates for digital privacy and freedom. Rest in peace, Hannah. Your legacy will live on through the many lives you touched, and the countless individuals and organizations that will continue the work you so passionately championed.
