Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to her resilience, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s path to legal success was anything but conventional.
After graduating magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology, Schielke went on to attend Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship. There, she served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review, honing her legal skills and setting the stage for her future career.
In 2010, Schielke boldly moved to Colorado, seeking a fresh start. With no professional connections or experience, she took an unconventional approach to kickstart her legal career – posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This daring strategy paid off, providing her with valuable experience and laying the foundation for her future success.
Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office two years later, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. 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 a brutal tasing incident involving her client in his own home.
Schielke’s groundbreaking work in civil rights has earned her 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 adversity and challenges, Schielke 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 in the face of powerful opposition.
Schielke’s guiding principle is the belief that there are two types of people in the world: good people and 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 a trailblazer in the legal field, Schielke continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Her unique blend of courage, innovation, and empathy has not only transformed her career but also significantly impacted the lives of her clients and the broader landscape of civil rights in Colorado.
Sarah Schielke’s story is about determination, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to her record-breaking settlements and national recognition, she has proven that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to forge your path, it’s possible to make a real difference in law and beyond.
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