Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her unconventional path began in 2010 when, fresh out of Boston University School of Law and seeking a new start in Colorado, she took to Craigslist to offer discount legal services. This bold move, born out of necessity and a desire to gain experience, became the foundation of a remarkable career in civil rights law.
2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her approach to law has been characterized by a steep learning curve and a willingness to forge her path. Never having worked under another attorney, Schielke has developed unique strategies that have proven highly effective, particularly in civil rights cases.
One of Schielke’s most notable tactics is using body camera footage. By releasing these videos, she has brought national attention to police misconduct cases and secured substantial settlements for her clients. This approach was particularly impactful in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in 2020. Schielke’s release of the footage in April 2021 brought the case to light and prompted internal and external reviews of the incident and the department.
The Garner case resulted in criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the family – a figure far exceeding the typical amount for similar cases. Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department for a brutal tasing incident.
Schielke’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing women who have significantly impacted their communities and countrywide. This recognition highlights Schielke’s role as a champion of change in civil rights law.
Despite her successes, Schielke acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in her field. She speaks of the need for adaptability while maintaining one’s identity, a balance she strives to achieve and encourage in others. Her commitment to empowering women is evident in her choice to staff her office with “smart, strong women.”
A defining moment in Schielke’s career came during a case in Clear Creek County. Despite potential legal consequences, she stood firm in her decision to release body camera footage that she believed would vindicate her client. This act of defiance, which resulted in a contempt citation (later dismissed), exemplifies Schielke’s courage and dedication to transparency in the justice system.
Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career prompted a reevaluation of her perspectives, fostering a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that now underpins her work and worldview.
Schielke’s definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to her legal work and personal interactions, allowing her to approach challenging situations with empathy and understanding.
Schielke emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in overcoming adversity. She voraciously reads everything she can find about a situation and isn’t afraid to ask more experienced individuals for advice. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing crucial support that enables her demanding career.
Sarah Schielke’s story is about transformation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a celebrated civil rights attorney, she has consistently challenged the status quo and fought for those who might otherwise be voiceless in the legal system. Her innovative approaches, coupled with her deep-seated belief in the power of transparency and accountability, have secured justice for her clients and pushed for broader systemic change in law enforcement and the justice system.
As Schielke continues to make her own way in civil rights law, her impact extends far beyond the courtroom. She inspires aspiring lawyers and is a powerful advocate for those seeking justice, embodying the change she wishes to see in the legal world.