By Jamie Dawson
In the landscape of civil rights law, Sarah Schielke’s journey began with an unusual first step—a 2010 Craigslist advertisement offering legal services. Fresh from Boston University School of Law and seeking a new beginning in Colorado, she offered her services at minimal cost, candidly informing potential clients about her learning curve. This forthright approach proved remarkably effective, providing her extensive practical experience early in her career.
By 2012, this foundation led to the creation of the Life and Liberty Law Office, which focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Choosing never to work under another attorney, Schielke developed distinctive strategies in civil rights cases. Her innovative approach of publicly releasing body camera footage has become a powerful tool in exposing police misconduct and securing justice for her clients.
A landmark case involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. Schielke released the body camera footage and brought national attention to the case, resulting in criminal charges against two officers. Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case concluded with a $3 million settlement, far exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases.
Her momentum continued with a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Department involving a police tasing incident. When faced with potential contempt charges for releasing body camera footage, Schielke stood her ground, even wearing a t-shirt to court that boldly declared her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Currently, she’s challenging systemic issues through five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services, addressing alleged wrongful DUI arrests. These cases highlight her commitment to holding law enforcement accountable and protecting civil rights, particularly when innocent citizens face severe consequences for police misconduct.
Personal tragedy has deeply influenced her approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer at age 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial loss, led to a transformative perspective on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience shaped her unique philosophy that people are either “good people or good people in pain,” a viewpoint that guides her legal strategy and personal interactions.
Her definition of courage centers on addressing wrongs, especially when confronting powerful opposition. This principle has become central to her legal practice and the values she instills in her children. As a woman-in-law, she acknowledges the additional challenges of adaptation while maintaining authenticity, supported by a family structure where her husband is a stay-at-home father to their children.
Recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado acknowledges her significant impact on civil rights law and community justice. Through her innovative legal strategies and unwavering commitment to accountability, Schielke has secured unprecedented settlements for her clients and helped reshape law enforcement practices throughout Colorado.
From her early days offering discount legal services to becoming a leading civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey exemplifies her belief in continuous learning and growth. Her approach combines determination with innovative thinking, transforming individual lives and systemic practices in law enforcement. Her story demonstrates how unconventional methods and unwavering dedication to justice can create meaningful change in the legal system.
