In the landscape of Colorado’s legal scene, Sarah Schielke stands out as a force to be reckoned with. Her journey from a fledgling lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a powerhouse in civil rights litigation is nothing short of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice that has reshaped the field of civil rights law in Colorado.
After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start. With no connections and zero work experience, she took an unconventional approach to launching her legal career. She posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services, essentially learning on the job. This bold move paid off, providing her with a wealth of experience in a short time.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she’d been passionate about since her law school days. Her approach to civil rights cases has been groundbreaking. Schielke’s strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has proven extraordinarily effective, often resulting in settlements far exceeding the norm for similar cases.
One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. By releasing the body camera footage in April 2021, Schielke catapulted the case into the national spotlight. This move prompted both internal and external reviews of the incident and the department as a whole. The result? Two officers faced criminal charges, and the Garner family received a $3 million settlement – a figure that dwarfs the typical “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.
Schielke’s winning streak continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department. The case involved what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to civil rights have not gone unnoticed. Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for Colorado, an honor recognizing women who have significantly impacted the country.
Schielke’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. She acknowledges that as a woman in law, there’s a need for adaptability thwoman-in-lawcounterparts might not face. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating these challenges.
One of Schielke’s proudest moments came from a city, Colorado case. In the casecaseeleasreleaseda footage of her client being tased by police, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride in standing up for what she believed was right despite potential legal repercussions. Even when faced with a contempt citation (which was later dismissed), Schielke ground, wearing a t-shirt to her next court appearance, hat boldly declared her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Schielke’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped her perspective on life and law. Her exposure to cancer early in her legal career led her to reframe her life, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience, she believes, has made her the person and lawyer she is today.
For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and effect positive change, even when faced with powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her professional and personal life.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and isn’t afraid to reach out to those with more experience. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.
Reflecting on her journey, Schielke notes that her younger self would be unrecognizable to who she is now. Through experiences of loss and suffering, she has worked tirelessly on personal growth and how she interacts with the world.
Sarah Schielke’s story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to civil rights law continues to set new standards for advocacy and legal representation, making waves not just in Colorado, but across the nation.
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