Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a formidable civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s path to legal success was anything but conventional.
After graduating magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology, Schielke attended Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship. There, she served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review, honing her legal skills and laying the groundwork for her future career.
In 2010, Schielke made a bold move to Colorado, seeking a fresh start after what she candidly describes as “a series of bad life decisions” in her 20s. Faced with no professional connections or experience in her new home, she took an unconventional approach to kickstart her legal career – posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.
“I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke reflects. This daring strategy paid off, providing her with valuable experience and setting the stage for her future success.
Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office two years later, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her decision to forge her path rather than work under established attorneys allowed her to develop innovative strategies for handling civil rights cases.
Schielke’s unique approach of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has proven highly effective. This tactic has not only brought national attention to police misconduct but has also resulted in record-breaking settlements for her clients.
One of her most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 sparked national outrage and led to internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical settlement amount for similar cases.
In 2022, Schielke secured another landmark victory, settling a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for $7 million. This record-breaking settlement stemmed from what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home in 2021.
Schielke’s groundbreaking work in civil rights has earned her numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, a unique “strong and resilient woman who has been a champion of change across the country.” She has also been named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and received the DUI Defense Lawyers Association’s “Badass Award” in 2021.
Despite challenges, Schielke remains committed to constant learning and growth. She attributes much of her success to her ability to adapt and her willingness to fight for what’s right, even in the face of powerful opposition.
Schielke’s definition of courage is deeply rooted in her experiences. For her, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and make things better, even when faced with daunting odds. “Courage is trusting yourself, loving other people no matter what, and trying to leave the world a little better than you found it,” she asserts.
Her guiding principle is the belief that there are fundamentally two types of people: “There are good people, and there are good people in pain.” This compassionate outlook informs her approach to healing work and her personal life, allowing her to see the home in even the most difficult situations.
Schielke’s proudest moment came when she stood up against a judge’s order that she believed was wrong. After releasing body camera footage in a case, she was issued a contempt citation despite potential legal repercussions. I never felt so proud because I knew it would probably happen. Still, I knew they were wrong, and I was doing what was right,” she recalls.
As Schielke continues to push boundaries in the legal field, she remains committed to her unique blend of courage, innovation, and empathy. Her journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights attorney inspires aspiring lawyers and advocates.
Sarah Schielke’s story is a powerful reminder that success often comes from taking unconventional paths and standing firm in one’s convictions. Her unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with her innovative approach to civil rights law, has transformed her career and significantly impacted the lives of her clients and the broader landscape of civil rights in Colorado.