The story of Sarah Schielke’s legal career begins with an unconventional choice: a 2010 Craigslist advertisement. Fresh from Boston University School of Law and seeking a new start in Colorado, she offered legal services at minimal cost, openly acknowledging her newcomer status. This unusual approach began a career that would transform civil rights litigation.
This bold start provided unexpected opportunities, allowing her to gain extensive hands-on experience rapidly. In 2012, she founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, dedicating her practice to criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her decision to never work under another attorney enabled her to develop unique approaches that would later revolutionize civil rights advocacy.
Schielke pioneered a distinctive strategy of releasing police body camera footage to the public, bringing unprecedented transparency to law enforcement accountability. This approach proved pivotal in representing Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during a 2020 Loveland police arrest. The footage’s release in April 2021 attracted national attention and sparked comprehensive departmental reviews.
The consequences were significant: Officer Austin Hopp received five years in prison, while Officer Daria Jalali served 45 days with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, dramatically exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases. Schielke built on this success in 2022, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement for a client tased by Idaho Springs police officers in his home.
Personal tragedy shaped her approach to law profoundly. The loss of her father to cancer at 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial loss, led her to embrace gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally transformed her perspective on both life and legal practice.
Her definition of courage reflects her approach: the determination to address wrongs and pursue improvement, particularly when facing powerful opposition. This courage was evident in a Clear Creek County case where she faced contempt charges for releasing body camera footage despite following judicial orders. Rather than backing down, she embraced the challenge, even wearing a t-shirt to court highlighting the First Amendment violation.
As a female attorney, Schielke acknowledges the additional adaptability required compared to male counterparts. She emphasizes maintaining authenticity while navigating professional demands and actively works to transform the system from within, mentoring strong women on her staff.
Her guiding principle reveals a compassionate understanding of human nature: She believes there are only good people and good people in pain. Each person, she maintains, approaches their day intending to do their best, and inappropriate actions often stem from personal struggles.
Supporting her success is a commitment to continuous learning and the crucial backing of her husband, who stays home with their daughters, enabling her demanding career. This foundation allows her to maintain her innovative approach while balancing professional responsibilities.
Recognition for her transformative work came through her selection as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Her journey from a Craigslist beginner to a pioneering force in civil rights law demonstrates how determination and innovative thinking can reshape the justice system.
Through her unique combination of legal expertise and human understanding, Schielke has created a practice that wins unprecedented settlements and drives systemic change in law enforcement practices. Her approach to civil rights litigation, combining transparency with public accountability, continues to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the pursuit of justice.
