Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her path to becoming a formidable civil rights attorney began in an unconventional manner—with a Craigslist ad offering discount legal services in Colorado in 2010.

Fresh out of Boston University School of Law and seeking a fresh start, Schielke took a leap of faith. She posted an ad offering free or nearly free legal assistance, with the caveat that clients understood she was learning and doing her best. This bold move paid off, providing her with a wealth of experience in a short time.

In 2012, Schielke opened the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school. Her career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly.

What sets Schielke apart is her unique approach to civil rights cases. She has pioneered a strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public to draw attention to injustice. This tactic has proven remarkably successful, often resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who a Loveland police officer injured during a June 2020 arrest. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought national media attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family. This figure dwarfs the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with another record-breaking settlement. She secured a $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home in 2021.

Her groundbreaking work in civil rights law has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Schielke was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, recognizing her significant impact on her community and countrywide.

Despite her successes, Schielke acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in her field. She speaks of the need for adaptability while maintaining one’s identity, a balance she strives to achieve and encourage in others. Her commitment to empowering women is evident in her choice to staff her office with “smart, strong women.”

A defining moment in Schielke’s career came during a case in Clear Creek County. Despite potential legal consequences, she stood firm in her decision to release body camera footage that she believed would vindicate her client. This act of defiance resulted in a contempt citation (later dismissed), which Schielke proudly displays as a symbol of her commitment to justice.

Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career prompted a reevaluation of her perspectives, fostering a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that now underpins her work and worldview.

Schielke’s definition of courage revolves around the determination to right wrongs and improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to her legal work and personal interactions, allowing her to approach challenging situations with empathy and understanding.

Schielke emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in overcoming adversity. She voraciously reads everything she can find about a situation and isn’t afraid to ask more experienced individuals for advice. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing crucial support that enables her demanding career.

Sarah Schielke’s story is about transformation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a celebrated civil rights attorney, she has consistently challenged the status quo and fought for those who might otherwise be voiceless in the legal system. Her innovative approaches, coupled with her deep-seated belief in the power of transparency and accountability, have secured justice for her clients and pushed for broader systemic change in law enforcement and the justice system.

As Schielke continues to make her own way in civil rights law, her impact extends far beyond the courtroom. She inspires aspiring lawyers and is a powerful advocate for those seeking justice, embodying the change she wishes to see in the legal world.