In the landscape of Colorado’s legal profession, Sarah Schielke stands out as a formidable and unconventional force. Her journey into civil rights law began with an audacious move that set the tone for her career. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado seeking a fresh start. With no professional connections or experience, she took to Craigslist, offering discount legal services to gain experience.
This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective, providing Schielke with many cases and rapid experience. By 2012, she had accumulated enough know-how and confidence to establish the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on her passions: criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Schielke’s career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces with enthusiasm and dedication.
What distinguishes Schielke in civil rights law is her innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public. This approach has drawn significant attention to instances of injustice and resulted in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
A prime example of Schielke’s impact is the Karen Garner case. In April 2021, Schielke released body camera footage showing the violent arrest of Garner, a woman with dementia, by Loveland police officers. This move catapulted the case into the national spotlight, prompting both internal and external reviews of the police department. The outcome was significant: two officers faced criminal charges, one receiving a five-year prison sentence and another 45 days in jail followed by probation. The case ultimately 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 victory in 2022. 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. These high-profile cases have earned Schielke recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her substantial impact on civil rights law.
Schielke’s path has been with personal challenges. The loss of her father early in her career profoundly shaped her perspective, instilling a sense of gratitude and forgiveness that informs her approach to both life and law. She defines courage as the determination to right wrongs and improve situations, even in the face of powerful opposition.
One of Schielke’s proudest moments came when she stood firm against a judge’s order she believed to be unjust. After releasing body camera footage in a case despite potential consequences, Schielke was cited for contempt. She views this citation, later dismissed, as a badge of honor in her fight for justice and transparency.
Schielke’s unique approach extends to her philosophy. She believes there are fundamentally two types of people: 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 or individuals.
Her success is not without personal sacrifice. Schielke credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing the crucial support that allows her to pursue her demanding career. Schielke continues to make waves in the legal world and remains committed to constant learning and growth.
From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a powerhouse in civil rights law, Sarah Schielke has carved out a unique path that challenges the status quo and brings about meaningful change in the legal system. Her story is about perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Schielke’s journey inspires women in the legal profession. It demonstrates that with passion, resilience, and a willingness to take unconventional paths, it’s possible to make a significant impact in pursuing justice. As she continues to pave her way in civil rights law, Schielke fights for her clients and pushes for broader systemic changes, leaving an indelible mark on Colorado’s legal landscape.
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