Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Colorado is a tale of determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to justice. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start following what she candidly describes as “a series of bad life decisions” in her twenties.
In 2010, with no legal connections or work experience, Schielke took an unconventional approach to jumpstart her career. She posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services, essentially providing assistance for free or at minimal cost. This bold move paid off, as Schielke quickly gained valuable experience from the surprising number of people seeking legal help through the platform.
By 2012, Schielke had gathered enough experience and confidence to open the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on her passions: criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her approach to law has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly. “My whole life has really been a steep learning curve, and I just love it,” Schielke remarks.
What sets Schielke apart in the field of civil rights law is her innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public. This approach has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases. Her success in this area continued to grow in 2022.
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 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 substantially higher than the usual settlement for such cases.
In 2022, Schielke secured another landmark victory with a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department. This case involved what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Schielke’s path hasn’t been without challenges. She acknowledges the additional obstacles faced by strong women in her field, emphasizing the importance of adapting without losing oneself. Her approach involves not just succeeding personally, but also working to change the system from within, including mentoring other smart, strong women on her staff.
A defining moment in Schielke’s career came during a case in Clear Creek County, Colorado. Despite potential legal repercussions, she stood firm in her decision to release body camera footage that she believed would vindicate her client. This act of defiance, which resulted in a contempt citation (later dismissed), stands as one of her proudest moments, exemplifying her commitment to justice over personal risk.
Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career led to a profound reframing of her perspective, instilling in her a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness – qualities that continue to influence her work and worldview.
Schielke’s definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and improve situations, especially in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her legal work and personal interactions.
Her success and impact in the field have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing her significant contributions to civil rights law. She continues to lecture across the country on DUI defense strategies and serves as President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association.
Sarah Schielke’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a celebrated civil rights attorney, she has carved out a unique path in the legal world, consistently challenging norms and fighting for her clients with passion and integrity. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and a testament to the power of determination and adaptability in reshaping one’s career and making a significant impact in the field of law.
