In the landscape of Colorado’s legal scene, Sarah Schielke stands out as a formidable force in civil rights law, carving her unique path with determination and innovative tactics. Her journey began in an unexpected place – Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of what Schielke calls “bad life decisions” brought her to Colorado seeking a fresh start.

With no professional experience or connections in her new home, Schielke took a bold step. She posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services, assisting for free or at minimal cost. Her only caveat to potential clients is, “Understand I’m learning and doing my best.” This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective, allowing Schielke to gain valuable experience rapidly.

In 2012, armed with this experience and driven by passion, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office. Her focus was criminal defense and civil rights litigation, areas she had been drawn to since her law school days. “From there, it was much learning,” Schielke reflects. “My life has been a steep learning curve, and I love it.”

Schielke’s career trajectory is marked by her willingness to forge her path, particularly in civil rights cases. Never having worked under another attorney, she developed a unique strategy that has proven highly effective: sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public. This approach has not only drawn attention to instances of police misconduct but also resulted 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. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 catapulted the case into the national spotlight, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers, with significant sentences handed down in 2022.

The Garner family settled with Loveland for $3 million in September 2021, a figure that dwarfs the typical settlement of less than $100,000 for similar cases. Building on this success, in 2022, Schielke secured another record-breaking settlement of $7 million in a case against the Idaho Springs Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Schielke’s commitment to justice and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. She was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, recognizing her significant impact on civil rights law.

A case in Clear Creek County exemplifies her courage in the face of adversity. Despite the threat of contempt charges, Schielke fought to release body camera footage of her client being tased by police. She stood her ground, knowing she was doing what was right. This unwavering commitment resulted in a $7 million settlement for her client.

Schielke’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career prompted her to reframe her perspective, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This transformative experience has influenced her interactions with clients and her overall worldview.

For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and make positive changes, even when faced with powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This empathetic outlook informs her approach to her legal work and personal interactions.

Schielke’s success is built on a foundation of continuous learning and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of researching every situation thoroughly and seeking advice from more experienced individuals. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Schielke recognizes the need for adaptability without losing oneself. She strives to change the system from within, employing intelligent, strong women in her practice and encouraging them to pave their paths.

Sarah Schielke continues to make waves in Colorado’s legal landscape with her unconventional methods and unwavering commitment to justice. Her empathetic approach to clients and cases and her innovative strategies have made her a formidable force in the fight for civil rights and police accountability. As she continues to learn and grow, Schielke remains dedicated to leaving the world a little better than she found it, one case at a time.