In civil rights law, Sarah Schielke’s journey stands out as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her path to becoming a formidable legal force in Colorado began with academic excellence, graduating magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology before attending Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship.
However, a series of what Schielke candidly describes as “bad life decisions” in her 20s led her to Colorado in 2010, seeking a fresh start. Faced with no legal connections or work experience in her new home, Schielke took an unconventional approach to launching her career—she posted 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 bold move gave her invaluable experience quickly, laying the foundation for her future success.
In 2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school. Her decision to forge her path, rather than working 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.
These successes have earned Schielke numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, recognizing “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country.” She was also repeatedly named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and received the DUI Defense Lawyers Association’s “Badass Award” in 2021.
Despite her impressive achievements, Schielke’s path has not been without challenges. She spoke of a pivotal moment in her life when her father passed away from cancer at 59, just as she was starting her legal practice. This loss reshaped her perspective, instilling a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that continues influencing her approach to life and law.
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 in the face of powerful opposition. “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 her legal work and personal life, allowing her to see humanity in even the most difficult situations.
As Schielke continues to push boundaries in the legal field, she 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 when faced with daunting odds.
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, despite potential legal repercussions, she was issued a contempt citation. “I have never felt so proud in my life because I knew it was probably going to happen, but I knew they were wrong, and I knew I was doing what was right,” she recalls.
Sarah Schielke’s story is a powerful reminder that success often comes from taking unconventional paths and standing firm in one’s convictions. From her humble beginnings as a Craigslist lawyer to her current status as a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Schielke has demonstrated that with determination, adaptability, and a solid moral compass, it’s possible to make a significant impact in the pursuit of justice.
