Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a formidable civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. Named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for her significant impact on her community and country, Schielke’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Schielke’s legal career began in an unexpected place: Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of what she calls “bad life decisions” led her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, Schielke boldly posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. Her candid approach – “so long as you understand I’m learning and doing my best” – resonated with many, allowing her to gain valuable experience rapidly.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation—areas she had been passionate about since law school. Having never worked under another attorney, her unique path allowed her to forge her approach to law, particularly in civil rights cases.
Schielke’s innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public has proven remarkably effective. This approach has drawn attention to important cases and resulted 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. 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 police 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 Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
When asked about her proudest moment, Schielke recounts a case in Clear Creek County where she fought to release body camera footage that would vindicate her client. Despite facing potential contempt charges, Schielke stood her ground, knowing she was doing what was right. Even in the face of powerful opposition, this unwavering commitment to justice exemplifies Schielke’s definition of courage.
Personal tragedy has also played a role in shaping Schielke’s outlook. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted her to reframe her life, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience has deeply influenced her approach to both her professional and personal life.
Schielke’s guiding principle is rooted in empathy and understanding. She believes there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach even the most challenging situations with compassion, recognizing that everyone is trying their best, even when their actions seem objectionable.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and reaching out to those with more experience. She also credits her success to the support of her husband, who stays at home with their two daughters, allowing her to pursue her demanding career.
Schielke’s advice to her younger self reflects her personal growth and resilience journey. She acknowledges that her younger self is “unrecognizable” to who she is now, attributing her transformation to the hard work she’s done on herself in response to loss and suffering.
Sarah Schielke’s story is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a celebrated civil rights attorney, Schielke has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Her innovative approaches to civil rights cases and courage in the face of powerful opposition have benefited her clients and contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and justice system reform. As she continues to pave her way in the legal field, Schielke inspires aspiring lawyers and advocates for change.