Sarah Schielke: Forging Her Path in Civil Rights Law

Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her unconventional career path began with a Craigslist ad in 2010, where she offered discount legal services to gain experience. This bold move quickly gave her a wealth of practical knowledge, laying the foundation for her future success.

In 2012, Schielke took another leap of faith by opening the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her decision to never work under another attorney allowed her to develop a unique legal approach, particularly in civil rights cases. Schielke’s innovative strategy of releasing body camera footage from her client’s cases to the public has proven remarkably effective, resulting 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 department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – a sum Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases.

Schielke’s 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 earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her significant impact on civil rights law.

Despite adversity, Schielke remains committed to her principles and the pursuit of justice. She views courage as the determination to fix wrongs and improve things, even in the face of powerful opposition. This philosophy is evident in her proudest moment when she stood firm against a judge’s attempt to hold her in contempt for releasing body camera footage in a Clear Creek County case. Schielke’s unwavering belief in doing what’s right despite potential consequences showcases her dedication to transparency and justice.

Schielke’s approach to law and life is shaped by personal experiences, including losing her father early in her career. This profound loss made her reframe her perspective, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. She believes in constant learning and seeking advice from those with more experience, attributes that have contributed to her success in navigating complex legal challenges.

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.