Michelle A. Schaap

Michelle A. Schaap


Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC

Recognized since 2020

Roseland, New Jersey

Practice Areas

Corporate Law

Privacy and Data Security Law

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Michelle Schaap practices cybersecurity and corporate law. Within corporate law, she primarily practices in construction, franchising and renewable energy – representing a varied client base that ranges from Fortune 500 companies to closely-held businesses.

Cybersecurity
Combining her technology and corporate experience, Michelle has spearheaded and developed CSG’s cybersecurity practice. She regularly advises clients on cybersecurity preparedness, counsels clients when data security incidents arise and trains companies on best practices for security procedures addressing both their business operations and their customers’ concerns. Michelle assesses her clients’ risk management practices and security incident preparedness to develop a proactive response and recovery plan enacted to recover from security breaches. Additionally, Michelle works with clients in contract review, drafting and negotiation in critical areas of privacy and security.

Michelle is a Certified Information Privacy Professional, awarded from the International Association of Privacy Professionals, with a concentration on U.S. private-sector law (CIPP/US) and is Co-Chair of the IAPP New Jersey KnowledgeNet Chapter. Ms. Schaap is an adjunct professor at Fordham University, teaching Privacy & Cybersecurity.

Construction
Within the construction industry, Michelle negotiates complex agreements – including construction management, architect and design-build agreements. Her extensive experience includes multimillion-dollar biotech research facilities, design-build agreements for amusement rides, and working with various clients to develop form agreements for planned expansion. Complementary to Michelle’s construction work is her experience negotiating solar facility agreements – including power purchase agreements and engineering, procurement and construction agreements.

Technology
Michelle works closely with both technology developers and companies seeking to acquire technologies – whether by custom development, license, subscription or otherwise. Michelle’s experience overseeing these transactions enhances efficiency and ensures that the agreement appropriately protects her clients. She educates her clients on potential risks and liabilities, and provides best practices to help manage and mitigate such exposure.

Location
  • 105 Eisenhower Parkway
    Roseland, NJ 07068
Education
  • Rutgers University–Newark, J.D., graduated 1987

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Corporate Law
  • Privacy and Data Security Law
Awards:
    • Selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list, Technology Transactions (2024)
    • Recipient, New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, Women’s Initiative and Leaders in Law (WILL), Platinum Award (2024)
    • Recipient, J.G. Petrucci Company, Industry Leader Award (2024)
    • Included in NJBIZ, Leaders in Digital Technology (2024)
    • Included in NJBIZ, Leaders in Law, Privacy (2021)
    • Recipient, CIANJ, Best Practices Award (2019)
    • Included in New Jersey Law Journal, Top Women in the Law (2018)
    • Recipient, New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law, Professional Lawyer of the Year Award (2017)
    • Included in NJBIZ, Best 50 Women in Business (2011)
    • Martindale-Hubbell AV® Rating
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Environmental Law
  • Energy Law
  • Media Law
  • Construction Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Technology Law

Publications

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