Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to determination, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to justice. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of life decisions led Schielke to Colorado for a fresh start. Faced with no work experience or legal connections, she took an unconventional first step that would set the tone for her career: posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services.

This bold move quickly provided Schielke with valuable experience, laying the groundwork for her future success. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke recalls. In 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school.

What sets Schielke apart in civil rights law is her unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public. This approach has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases. A prime example is the Karen Garner case, where Schielke’s release of body camera footage in April 2021 brought national attention to the violent arrest of a woman with dementia by Loveland police officers.

The public exposure of the Garner case prompted internal and external reviews of the police department and led to criminal charges against two officers. One officer was sentenced to five years in prison, while another received 45 days in jail, followed by three years of probation. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual settlement for such cases.

Building on this success, Schielke secured another landmark victory in 2022. She obtained a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving her client in his own home. These high-profile cases have earned Schielke recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her significant impact on civil rights law.

Schielke’s path to success has been challenging. The loss of her father early in her career profoundly shaped her perspective, instilling a sense of gratitude and forgiveness that informs her approach to both life and law. “His passing and processing the loss of a parent made me reframe my life. One of the first things that I kind of took out of it was a lot of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness for everybody, including myself,” Schielke reflects.

For Schielke, courage means having the determination to fix wrongs and make things better, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people in the world: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach her work with empathy and understanding, even when dealing with challenging situations.

One of Schielke’s proudest moments came when she stood firm against a judge’s order she believed to be unjust. After releasing body camera footage in a case despite potential consequences, Schielke was cited for contempt. She views this citation, which was later dismissed, as a badge of honor in her fight for justice and transparency.

Schielke’s success is not without personal sacrifice. She credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for providing the crucial support that allows her to pursue her demanding career. Schielke continues to make waves in the legal world and remains committed to constant learning and growth.

From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a powerhouse in civil rights law, Sarah Schielke has carved out a unique path that challenges the status quo and brings about meaningful change in the legal system. Her story is about perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to justice.

Schielke’s journey inspires women in the legal profession. It demonstrates that with passion, resilience, and a willingness to take unconventional paths, it’s possible to make a significant impact in pursuing justice. As she continues to pave her way in civil rights law, Schielke fights for her clients and pushes for broader systemic changes, leaving an indelible mark on Colorado’s legal landscape.