Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of what she candidly describes as “bad life decisions” led her to Colorado for a fresh start. Faced with no work experience or legal connections, Schielke took a bold and unorthodox approach to launch her career: she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.
This daring move paid off in unexpected ways. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke recalls. This early experience provided the foundation for her to establish the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school.
Schielke’s career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces enthusiastically. “My whole life has been a steep learning curve, and I just love it,” she says. Never working under another attorney has allowed her to forge her unique legal path, particularly in civil rights cases.
Her innovative approach to civil rights litigation has set her apart in the field. Schielke’s strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public has proven highly effective, drawing attention to instances of police misconduct and resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
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. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought national media attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers, with significant sentences handed down in 2022.
The Garner family settled with Loveland for $3 million in September 2021, a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the typical settlement of less than $100,000 for similar cases. Building on this success, in 2022, Schielke secured another record-breaking settlement of $7 million in a case against the Idaho Springs Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Schielke’s commitment to justice and innovative approach to civil rights law have earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Her success is rooted in her willingness to challenge the status quo and her deep-seated belief in standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity.
The attorney’s courage was put to the test in a Clear Creek County case where she fought to release body camera footage of her client being tased by police. Despite facing potential contempt charges, Schielke stood her ground, knowing she was doing what was right. This unwavering commitment to justice resulted in a $7 million settlement for her client.
Schielke’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career prompted her to reframe her perspective, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This transformative experience has influenced her interactions with clients and her overall worldview.
Her definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and make positive changes, even when faced with powerful opposition. “The brand of courage that I try to live by and teach to my kids is to try and execute, to have the determination to fix a wrong that you see or make things better, even if people are telling you ‘no,’ or especially if the people who are telling you ‘no’ have much power and are scary,” Schielke explains.
She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This empathetic outlook informs her approach to her legal work and personal interactions. “Everyone wakes up and thinks, ‘I’m going to try my best today,’ whatever they think their best is. But mostly everybody’s trying their best. And if they’re acting in a way we find outrageous or disgusting, it’s because they’re suffering in their way,” she reflects.
Schielke’s success is built on a foundation of continuous learning and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of researching every situation thoroughly and seeking advice from more experienced individuals. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Schielke recognizes the need for adaptability without losing oneself. She strives to change the system from within, employing intelligent, strong women in her practice and encouraging them to pave their paths.
Sarah Schielke continues to make waves in Colorado’s legal landscape with her unconventional methods and unwavering commitment to justice. Her empathetic approach to clients and cases and her innovative strategies have made her a formidable force in the fight for civil rights and police accountability. As she continues to learn and grow, Schielke remains dedicated to leaving the world a little better than she found it, one case at a time.