Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. They led her to Colorado for a fresh start after graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008. With no professional connections or experience, Schielke took an unorthodox approach to kickstart her legal career: she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.
This bold move paid off, providing Schielke with valuable experience and laying the foundation for her future success. In 2012, she opened 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 unique approach to civil rights cases has set her apart in the legal field. Her strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the client has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
One of Schielke’s most notable 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 national attention to the case, 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 figure Schielke notes is significantly higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.
Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Her innovative approach and dedication to civil rights have earned Schielke recognition as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for Colorado. This award acknowledges women who have significantly impacted their communities.
Schielke’s path to success hasn’t been without challenges. She acknowledges that as a woman-in-lawwoman-in-lawneed for adaptability that her male counterparts may not face. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating these challenges.
One of Schielke’s proudest moments came from a case in Clear Creek, Colorado. When she released body case camera footage of her client being tased by police, despite potential legal consequences, she felt an immense sense of pride in standing up for what she believed was right.
Schielke’s perspective on life and law has been shaped by personal experiences, including the loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career. This loss made her reframe herself and made her grateful, positive, and forgiving.
Her definition of courage involves the determination to right wrongs and make positive changes, even in the face of powerful opposition. Schielke lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her professional and personal life.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and reaching out to those with more experience. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.
Reflecting on her journey, Schielke notes that her younger self would be unrecognizable to who she is now. Through experiences of loss and suffering, she has worked hard on personal growth and how she interacts with the world.
Sarah Schielke’s story is about resilience, innovation, and the presentation of justice. Her unique approach to civil rights law continues to make waves in Colorado and beyond, setting new standards for advocacy asentation.
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