Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of personal challenges led her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no professional connections, Schielke took a bold step by advertising discount legal services on Craigslist in 2010, offering free or minimal-cost assistance while acknowledging her novice status.
This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective, allowing Schielke to gain extensive experience rapidly. In 2012, she founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school. Schielke’s career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly.
What sets Schielke apart is her innovative approach to civil rights cases. By sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public, she has successfully drawn attention to incidents of police misconduct, resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts. Her strategy gained national recognition in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought unprecedented media attention to the case, leading to internal and external reviews of the police department.
The Garner case resulted in criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the family – significantly higher than the usual sub-$100,000 settlements for similar cases. Building on this success, Schielke secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in 2022 for a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department involving a brutal tasing incident.
Schielke’s impact on civil rights law has not gone unnoticed. She was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing her significant contributions to her community and the country. This honor is a testament to her dedication to justice and her unique approach to legal practice.
Throughout her career, Schielke has faced and overcome numerous challenges. She acknowledges the additional adaptability required of strong women in her field, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating professional obstacles. Her proudest moment came when she stood firm in her conviction to release body camera footage in a Clear Creek County case despite facing potential contempt charges. This act of defiance, which she saw as a defense of First Amendment rights, exemplifies her commitment to justice and transparency.
Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s perspective. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted a profound reframing of her life, instilling in her a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience has deeply influenced her approach to both her professional and personal life.
Schielke’s definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and improve situations, even in the face of powerful opposition. She strives to embody this principle in her work and imparts it to her children. Her guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This empathetic worldview informs her approach to her legal practice and personal interactions.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on continuous learning and reaching out to more experienced individuals for guidance. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.
Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights attorney is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to legal practice and courage in challenging powerful institutions have benefited her clients and contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and civil rights in America.