By Sam Rory
Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start after what she describes as “a series of bad life decisions” in her 20s.
With no legal connections or work experience in the state, Schielke took an unconventional approach to launching her career. In 2010, she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services, assisting for free or minimal cost while being upfront about her novice status. This bold move paid off, as Schielke quickly gained valuable experience from several clients seeking legal help through the platform.
Building on this foundation, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly. “My whole life has really been a steep learning curve, and I just love it,” Schielke says.
What sets Schielke apart in civil rights law is her innovative approach to police misconduct cases. She has developed a unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public, drawing significant attention to incidents of excessive force and rights violations. This approach has proven highly effective, resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. 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 police department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers. The city settled with the Garner family for $3 million – a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the typical “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases.
In 2022, Schielke achieved another significant victory, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department. This case involved what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Schielke’s impact on civil rights law has earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. This award acknowledges women who have significantly impacted their communities and the country.
Despite her successes, Schielke remains grounded and reflective. She credits the loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career as a transformative experience that shaped her outlook on life and law. This personal tragedy led her to embrace gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness, which informed her professional practice and personal life.
Schielke’s definition of courage is deeply rooted in her work: “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.”
Her approach to overcoming adversity involves constant learning and seeking guidance from more experienced individuals. Schielke also emphasizes the importance of her support system, particularly her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters.
Schielke’s guiding principle is the belief that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This empathetic worldview informs her approach to legal practice and personal interactions, allowing her to see humanity in even the most challenging situations.
As she continues to make waves in civil rights law, Sarah Schielke remains committed to learning, growing, and fighting for justice. Her unique journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights attorney serves as an inspiration to those seeking to make a difference in the legal profession and beyond.
