By Jamie Dawson
Sarah Schielke, a Boston University School of Law graduate, has paved her unique path in the legal world, particularly in civil rights litigation. After a series of life events brought her to Colorado, Schielke began her career by offering discount legal services on Craigslist, quickly gaining valuable experience. 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights cases.
Schielke’s innovative approach to civil rights cases, which involves sharing body camera footage with the public to draw attention to her clients’ plights, has proven highly effective. This strategy has resulted in her clients receiving substantially larger settlements than similar cases. In 2021, Schielke’s release of footage from the arrest of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who a Loveland police officer injured, brought national attention to the case. The city ultimately settled with the Garner family for $3 million, significantly higher than the typical settlement for such cases.
In 2022, Schielke made waves by settling another case against the Idaho Springs Department for a record-breaking $7 million. Her tireless efforts and dedication to civil rights have earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado.
Schielke’s journey has been challenging. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability for women in the legal field, noting that they often need help to overcome obstacles that men do not. Despite these hurdles, Schielke remains committed to effecting change from within, surrounding herself with a team of intelligent, muscular women.
One of Schielke’s proudest moments came when she fought to release body camera footage in a case involving a client who was tased by police in Clear Creek County. Despite facing potential contempt charges, Schielke stood her ground, knowing that she was doing what was right. The citation she received for this act of courage now hangs in her home, serving as a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice.
Schielke’s personal life has also played a significant role in shaping her approach to law. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career prompted a period of introspection and growth, leading her to embrace gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This transformative experience has undoubtedly influenced her work as an attorney.
When asked about her definition of courage, Schielke emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, loving others unconditionally, and striving to improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition. She believes everyone is inherently good, but some are good people in pain, acting out due to suffering.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning, reaching out to those with more experience, and the unwavering support of her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters. Her advice to her younger self is to embrace the transformative power of loss and suffering, using these experiences as catalysts for personal growth and positive change.
As Sarah Schielke continues to make her mark on the legal landscape of Colorado and beyond, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring attorneys and advocates for justice everywhere. Her tireless dedication, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to civil rights have firmly established her as a force to be reckoned with in the legal community.
