Sarah Schielke’s path to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, she took an unusual first step: posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This bold move, born out of necessity, quickly gave her a wealth of experience.
In 2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her passion for these areas of law, which she had cultivated since law school, drove her forward. Schielke embraces the steep learning curve that comes with her work, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
What sets Schielke apart in civil rights law is her unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public. This approach has proven remarkably effective, drawing attention to instances of injustice and often resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
A prime example of Schielke’s impact is the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought the case to national attention, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. As a result, two officers faced criminal charges, with one sentenced to five years in prison and another to 45 days in jail, followed by probation. The case settled for $3 million, a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual settlement for such cases.
Building on this success, Schielke secured another landmark settlement in 2022. This time, she obtained a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving her client in his own home.
Schielke’s work has not gone unnoticed. She was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, recognizing her significant impact on civil rights law. Despite facing challenges, Schielke remains resilient and determined. She attributes much of her personal growth to the loss of her father early in her career, which reshaped her perspective on life and instilled in her a sense of gratitude and forgiveness.
For Schielke, courage means having the determination to fix wrongs and make things better, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people in the world: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach her work with empathy and understanding, even when dealing with challenging situations.
Schielke’s success is not without personal sacrifice. She credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing the support necessary to pursue her demanding career. Schielke continues to make waves in the legal world and remains committed to constant learning and growth.
Her proudest moment came when she stood up against a judge’s order that she believed was wrong. After releasing body camera footage in a case, Schielke was cited for contempt despite potential consequences. She views this citation, which was later dismissed, as a badge of honor in her fight for justice and transparency.
Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a formidable force in civil rights law is a testament to her determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to civil rights cases, coupled with her resilience in the face of adversity, has brought about significant changes in individual cases and challenged the legal system’s status quo.
As Schielke continues to pave her own way in civil rights law, she inspires other women in the legal profession. Her story demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take unconventional paths, it’s possible to make a significant impact in pursuing justice.
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