Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is far from conventional. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of life decisions led her to Colorado, where she embarked on an unconventional start to her career by advertising discounted legal services on Craigslist. This bold move provided her with invaluable experience and laid the foundation for her future success.
In 2012, Schielke took a leap of faith and established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her passion for these areas of law, coupled with her willingness to learn and adapt, has been the driving force behind her steep learning curve and subsequent achievements.
What sets Schielke apart is her innovative approach to civil rights cases. By strategically releasing body camera footage from her client’s cases to the public, she has drawn significant attention to instances of injustice. This tactic has proven incredibly effective, often resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
A prime example of Schielke’s impact is the Karen Garner case. In April 2021, Schielke’s release of body camera footage showing the violent arrest of Garner, a woman with dementia, by Loveland police officers brought national attention to the incident. This public exposure prompted internal and external reviews of the police department and led to criminal charges against two officers. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual settlement for such cases.
Building on this success, Schielke secured another groundbreaking settlement in 2022. This time, she obtained a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving her client in his own home.
Schielke’s unconventional methods and unwavering commitment to justice have not gone unnoticed. She was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, recognizing her significant impact on civil rights law.
Despite facing adversity, Schielke remains resilient and determined. She attributes much of her growth to losing her father early in her career, which reshaped her perspective on life and instilled in her a sense of gratitude and forgiveness.
Schielke’s definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and improve situations, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people in the world: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach her work with empathy and understanding, even when dealing with challenging situations.
Her success is not without personal sacrifice. Schielke credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing the support necessary to pursue her demanding career.
Schielke continues to make waves in the legal world and remains committed to constant learning and growth. She encourages others to keep loving to learn, emphasizing that her journey has been continuous self-improvement and adaptation.
Sarah Schielke’s story is about perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to justice. From her humble beginnings on Craigslist to becoming a formidable force in civil rights law, she has carved out a unique path that challenges the status quo and brings about meaningful change in the legal system.
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