Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming one of Colorado’s most influential civil rights attorneys began with an unconventional move: a Craigslist ad offering discount legal services. Fresh out of Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado seeking a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, she turned to the internet to jumpstart her career.
This bold decision quickly paid off, providing Schielke with a wealth of experience in a short time. By 2012, she had established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school.
Schielke’s approach to law has always been characterized by a steep learning curve and a willingness to forge her path. Never having worked under another attorney, she developed unique strategies that have proven remarkably effective, particularly in civil rights cases.
One of Schielke’s most successful tactics has been publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases. This approach has drawn significant attention to these incidents and resulted in substantially larger settlements than in similar cases.
The Karen Garner case in 2021 exemplifies the power of Schielke’s strategy. By releasing the body camera footage of Garner’s arrest, Schielke brought national media attention to the incident, prompting internal and external reviews of the Loveland Police Department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – far exceeding the usual amount for such cases.
Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement 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 national recognition. In 2023, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, honoring women who have significantly impacted their communities and countrywide. She also received the “Badass Award” from DUIDLA in 2021, the organization’s highest honor, for her work on Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact on civil rights and DUI defense.
Despite her successes, Schielke’s career has not been without challenges. She lost her father to cancer at 59, just as she was starting her legal practice. This loss profoundly shaped her outlook, instilling a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that now informs her personal life and legal practice.
Schielke’s approach to overcoming adversity involves constant learning and seeking advice from more experienced individuals. She credits her success to this continuous pursuit of knowledge and the unwavering support of her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters.
At the core of Schielke’s philosophy is a belief in people’s fundamental goodness. She sees the world as composed of two types of individuals: good people and good people in pain. This perspective informs her approach to clients and opponents in legal battles.
Schielke defines courage as the determination to right wrongs and improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition. She encourages trusting oneself, loving others unconditionally, and striving to leave the world better than one found it.
As she continues to take on high-profile cases and challenge systemic issues within law enforcement, Schielke remains committed to her core values. Her work secures justice for her clients and contributes to broader discussions about civil rights and police reform.
Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice attorney advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights champion is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to one’s principles. Through her innovative legal strategies and tireless advocacy, she is not just winning cases; she’s changing the landscape of civil rights law and inspiring a new generation of attorneys to fight for justice with creativity and courage.