By Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a formidable force in civil rights law is a tale of determination, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s academic prowess shone early, leading her to graduate magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology. Her legal journey began at Boston University School of Law, where she attended on a full academic merit scholarship and served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
In 2010, Schielke’s life took an unexpected turn. After what she describes as “a series of bad life decisions in my 20s,” she found herself in Colorado, seeking a fresh start with no legal connections or work experience. Undeterred by these challenges, Schielke took a bold and unconventional approach to launch her legal career – she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This unorthodox strategy proved surprisingly effective, providing her with a wealth of experience in a short time.
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 to be a game-changer, bringing national attention to instances of police misconduct and resulting in record-breaking settlements for her clients.
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. 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. These successes have brought justice to her clients and set new precedents in civil rights litigation.
Schielke’s groundbreaking work 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 her successes, Schielke’s path has not been without challenges. She spoke of a pivotal moment in her life when her father passed away from cancer at 59, just as she was starting her legal practice. This loss reshaped her perspective, instilling a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that continues influencing her approach to life and law.
Schielke’s definition of courage is deeply rooted in her experiences. For her, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and make things better, even in the face of powerful opposition. She believes in trusting oneself, loving others unconditionally, and striving to leave the world a better place.
Her 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 Schielke continues to push boundaries in the legal field, she 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 when faced with daunting odds.
Sarah Schielke’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, 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 and determination, it’s possible to forge a unique path in the legal world and significantly impact civil rights. Her journey inspires aspiring lawyers and advocates, showing that sometimes, the most unconventional routes can lead to the most profound changes in the pursuit of justice.
