Sarah Schielke’s path to becoming a formidable civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. Her legal journey began in 2010 with a bold move that many might consider risky – posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This unorthodox approach, born out of necessity after a series of what Schielke calls “bad life decisions in my 20s,” proved the cornerstone of her future success.
Fresh out of Boston University School of Law and new to Colorado, Schielke had no work experience or legal connections. Her Craigslist ad offered legal assistance for free or at minimal cost, with the caveat that clients understood she was learning. To her surprise, the response was overwhelming, providing her with a wealth of experience in a short time.
In 2012, armed with this hands-on experience, Schielke took another leap by opening the Life and Liberty Law Office. Here, she specialized 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, which she embraces wholeheartedly.
What sets Schielke apart in civil rights law is her unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public. This approach has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements exceeding the typical amounts for similar cases. Her success in this area has been particularly notable in recent years.
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 the case to national attention, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – a sum Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases.
Schielke’s impact continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident. These achievements have earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her significant contribution to civil rights law.
Despite her success, Schielke remains grounded and committed to her principles. She views courage as the determination to fix wrongs and improve things, even in the face of powerful opposition. This philosophy was evident in what she considers her proudest moment – standing firm against a judge’s attempt to hold her in contempt for releasing body camera footage in a Clear Creek County case.
Schielke’s approach to law and life has been shaped by personal experiences, including losing her father early in her career. This profound loss made her reframe her perspective, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. She believes in constant learning and seeking advice from those with more experience, attributes that have contributed to her success in navigating complex legal challenges.
Throughout her career, Schielke has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt without compromising her values. She acknowledges the additional challenges women face in her field and strives to create opportunities for other strong, intelligent women in her practice. Her guiding principle – that there are only good people and good people in pain – informs her compassionate approach to clients and adversaries.
Sarah Schielke’s story concerns determination, innovation, and a deep commitment to civil rights. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized attorney, she has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Her work secures justice for her clients and drives systemic change in law enforcement practices.
As she continues to pave her way in civil rights law, Schielke inspires aspiring attorneys and advocates for justice everywhere. Her unique blend of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her principles has established her as a true trailblazer in Colorado’s legal landscape.
