Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Colorado began with an unconventional start on Craigslist in 2010. After graduating from Boston University School of Law and seeking a fresh start, Schielke moved to Colorado without legal connections. Undeterred, she posted an ad offering discount legal services, gaining invaluable experience that would shape her future career.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which specializes in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her unique approach to law practice, particularly in civil rights cases, has set her apart from her peers. Schielke’s strategy of publicly sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has proven remarkably effective, resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
One of Schielke’s most notable 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 brought national attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – a figure Schielke notes is significantly higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.
Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home. These high-profile victories have earned Schielke recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado.
Throughout her career, Schielke has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome challenges. She acknowledges that as a strong woman in her field, she’s had to navigate obstacles that her male counterparts may not face. Her approach involves finding ways to adapt without losing herself and working to change the system from within.
Schielke’s proudest moment came during a case in Clear Creek County, where she fought to release body camera footage that would vindicate her client. Despite facing potential contempt charges, Schielke stood her ground, knowing she was doing what was right. Even in the face of powerful opposition, this unwavering commitment to justice exemplifies Schielke’s definition of courage.
Personal tragedy has also played a role in shaping Schielke’s outlook. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted her to reframe her life, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience has deeply influenced her approach to both her professional and personal life.
Schielke’s guiding principle is rooted in empathy and understanding. She believes there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach even the most challenging situations with compassion, recognizing that everyone is trying their best, even when their actions seem objectionable.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and reaching out to those with more experience. She also credits her success to the support of her husband, who stays at home with their two daughters, allowing her to pursue her demanding career.
Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a celebrated civil rights attorney is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her innovative approaches to civil rights cases and courage in the face of powerful opposition have benefited her clients and contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and justice system reform. As she continues to pave her way in the legal field, Schielke inspires aspiring lawyers and advocates for change.