By Sarah Schielke’s ascent in civil rights law is a testament to her unconventional approach and unwavering determination. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent attorney in Colorado began with academic excellence. She graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in Vermont with a B.A. in Psychology before earning a full academic merit scholarship to Boston University School of Law.
It was after law school that Schielke’s path took an unexpected turn. In 2010, following what she describes as “a series of bad life decisions in my 20s,” she found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, Schielke made a bold move that would set the tone for her career: she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.
This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke recalls. This initial success laid 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 marked by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly. “My whole life has been a steep learning curve, and I just love it,” she says. Her unique position of never working under another attorney has allowed her to forge her legal path, particularly in civil rights cases.
One of Schielke’s most innovative and effective strategies has been sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public. This approach has often resulted in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases. A prime example is the case of 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 attention to the case, leading to internal and external reviews of the incident and the department.
The investigations prompted by Schielke’s actions resulted in criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – a sum significantly higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases, according to Schielke. Her success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident.
These achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, an award recognizing “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country” for her work in the civil rights field. She has also been repeatedly named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and received the DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” in 2021 for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact in the civil rights and DUI defense fields.
Schielke’s approach to her work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and beliefs. She views courage as the determination to fix wrongs and improve things, even in the face of powerful opposition. This philosophy was evident in what she considers her proudest moment – standing firm against a judge’s attempt to hold her in contempt for releasing body camera footage in a Clear Creek County case.
Throughout her career, Schielke has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt without compromising her values. She acknowledges the additional challenges women face in her field and strives to create opportunities for other strong, intelligent women in her practice. Her guiding principle – that there are only good people and good people in pain – informs her compassionate approach to clients and adversaries.
Sarah Schielke’s story concerns determination, innovation, and a deep commitment to civil rights. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized attorney, she has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Her work secures justice for her clients and drives systemic change in law enforcement practices.
As she continues to pave her way in civil rights law, Schielke inspires aspiring attorneys and advocates for justice everywhere. Her unique blend of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her principles has made hersignificantly impacting a true maverick in Colorado’s legal landscape, making a significant impact in civil rights law.
