Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal profession is a testament to determination, innovation, and a fierce commitment to justice. As one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, Schielke has made significant strides in civil rights law, carving out a unique path that challenges conventional practices and delivers remarkable results for her clients.
Schielke’s legal career began unconventionally in 2010 when she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This bold move, born out of necessity after relocating to Colorado for a fresh start, quickly provided her with valuable experience. By 2012, she had established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school.
What sets Schielke apart is her willingness to forge her path. Never having worked under another attorney, she developed innovative strategies, particularly in civil rights cases. Her approach of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public has proven exceptionally effective, 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 substantially higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases.
In 2022, Schielke continued her streak of success, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department for a case involving a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home. These victories underscore Schielke’s effectiveness in holding law enforcement accountable and securing justice for victims of police misconduct.
Schielke’s legal approach is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability for strong women in her field, striving to change the system from within while staying true to herself. Her proudest moment came when she stood up against a judge’s order that she believed infringed on her First Amendment rights, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to justice and transparency.
The loss of her father early in her career profoundly shaped Schielke’s outlook, instilling a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience informs her definition of courage: the determination to right wrongs and improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition.
Schielke’s guiding principle is a compassionate understanding of human nature. She believes there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach even the most challenging cases with empathy and insight.
Her success is built on continuous learning, extensive research, and seeking advice from more experienced colleagues. Schielke also credits her supportive husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, enabling her demanding career.
From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Sarah Schielke’s career is a powerful example of how determination, innovation, and a solid moral compass can reshape the legal landscape. Her work secures justice for her clients and pushes for broader accountability and reform within law enforcement, making her a true trailblazer in civil rights law.
