Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her story begins in Rochester, New York, where she was born and raised, cheering for the Bills and nurturing a passion that would later shape her career.
Schielke’s academic journey was marked by excellence from the start. She attended Middlebury College in Vermont, graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology. This foundation in understanding human behavior would prove invaluable in her future legal career. Her next stop was Boston University School of Law, where she secured a full academic merit scholarship, indicating her intellectual prowess. At BU Law, Schielke further distinguished herself as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review, honing her legal writing and analytical skills.
Schielke made a bold move that would define her career trajectory after law school. She packed her bags, gathered her dogs, and headed west to Colorado. Here, she took the unconventional step of opening her own criminal defense and civil rights law practice. This decision, born of necessity and ambition, would prove pivotal in shaping her unique approach to legal advocacy.
Schielke’s rise in civil rights law has been meteoric. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, an award recognizing “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country.” This prestigious honor acknowledges her groundbreaking work in civil rights litigation.
Two cases stand out in Schielke’s career, showcasing her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to justice. In 2021, she secured a record-breaking $3,000,000 settlement in the internationally publicized case of Karen Garner v. City of Loveland. The following year, she outdid herself by obtaining another record-breaking $7,000,000 settlement in the police tasing case of Michael Clark v. Idaho Springs. These victories brought justice to her clients and set new precedents in civil rights litigation.
Schielke’s expertise extends beyond civil rights cases. She is a recognized authority in DUI defense, regularly lecturing and presenting across the country on marijuana, alcohol, and drug DUI defense strategies. Her insights on winning marijuana DUI cases have been published in the Texas DWI Manual, demonstrating the national reach of her influence.
The legal community has noted Schielke’s exceptional work. In 2021, she received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award”—the organization’s highest honor—for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact in both civil rights and DUI defense fields. She has also consistently been named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense from 2018 to the present.
Schielke’s leadership extends beyond her casework. She serves on the Executive Committee and as President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), further solidifying her status as a respected figure in the legal community.
Despite her numerous professional accomplishments, Schielke lives outside the courtroom. She is married and has three children, balancing her demanding career with family life. Her love for animals is evident in her ownership of five dogs, adding another dimension to her life.
Sarah Schielke’s career is an inspiring example of how determination, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to justice can lead to significant change. Her unconventional path – from posting legal services on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney – demonstrates the power of perseverance and adaptability in the legal field.
As she continues to challenge the status quo and fight for the rights of the underserved, Schielke remains a powerful force in shaping the landscape of civil rights litigation in America. Her story is not just about personal success, but about redefining what it means to be an advocate for justice in the modern legal system. Sarah Schielke’s journey from a fresh law school graduate to a trailblazing attorney is a testament to a determined individual’s impact on the pursuit of justice and equality under the law.