Home

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.

Becoming a Permanent Resident (PR) in Singapore offers numerous advantages, including access to public housing, healthcare, and education, alongside greater career flexibility and a path to citizenship.

However, the application process for The Singapore PR Process can be intricate and involves multiple steps. Understanding the intricacies of the Singapore PR process is crucial for a successful outcome.

This guide provides a clear and detailed walkthrough of the entire process, from assessing your eligibility to submitting your application and managing the follow-up stages.

1. Assessing Your Eligibility for Singapore PR

Before embarking on the application journey, it’s essential to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) carefully assesses each application based on factors that demonstrate your potential to contribute positively to Singaporean society and the economy.

Key eligibility criteria often include:

Age:

While there’s no hard age limit, applicants under 50 are often preferred.

Qualifications and Skills:

Having relevant skills and qualifications that meet the country’s economic needs is important. Professionals in high-demand fields such as technology, finance, and healthcare often have a better chance.

Income and Financial Stability:

Demonstrating the capacity to support yourself and any dependents financially is crucial. This includes having a stable income, assets, and a consistent employment history.

Family Ties:

Having family members who are Singapore citizens or PRs can strengthen your application.

Integration Potential:

Demonstrating a genuine interest in integrating into Singaporean society—learning the local language, participating in community events, or volunteering—can be beneficial.

Contribution Potential:

The ICA assesses your potential to contribute to Singapore’s society and economy through your skills, profession, and contributions.

It’s advisable to carefully research the specific requirements for the PR scheme that aligns with your profile. Understanding the criteria at this initial stage can help you determine if you are a strong candidate and prepare accordingly.

2. Gathering and Preparing the Necessary Documents

The next stage involves compiling and preparing all the essential documents for your application. The ICA requires specific documentation to verify your identity, qualifications, and financial stability.

Key documents typically include:

Passport:

A valid passport with sufficient validity.

Birth Certificate:

A certified copy of your birth certificate.

Educational Certificates:

Diplomas, degrees, and other relevant academic qualifications.

Employment Records:

Salary slips, employment contracts, and tax documents.

Proof of Income:

Evidence of financial stability, such as bank statements and income tax returns.

Marriage Certificate:

If applicable, a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Other Supporting Documents:

Depending on your specific circumstances and the PR scheme you are applying under, additional documents might be required.

Ensuring your documents are complete, accurate, and translated into English (if necessary) is vital. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or rejection.

3. Submitting Your PR Application

Once you’ve gathered and prepared the necessary documents, you’ll need to submit your PR application to the ICA. The ICA provides an online platform for submitting applications, which is the preferred method.

The online application process typically involves:

Creating an Account:

Registering an account on the ICA’s website.

Completing the Application Form:

Filling out the online application form accurately and providing all the requested details.

Uploading Supporting Documents:

Uploading the necessary documents in the specified formats.

Paying the Application Fee:

Paying the required application fee online.

Submitting Your Application:

Submitting your completed application and uploaded documents.

4. The Application Review Process

Following submission, the ICA will review your application. This process can take several months, depending on the volume of applications and specific circumstances.

During the review process:

Verification of Documents:

The ICA will verify the information and documents you’ve submitted.

Assessment Against Eligibility Criteria:

Your application will be assessed against the specific eligibility criteria for the PR scheme you’ve applied for.

Potential Request for Additional Information:

You might be contacted by the ICA if they require further information to clarify any aspect of your application.

5. Potential Interview and Background Checks

In some cases, the ICA may invite you for an interview to assess your application further.

During the interview, you may be asked questions about:

• Your reasons for seeking Singapore PR.
• Your qualifications and skills.
• Your employment history.
• Your family situation.
• Your understanding of Singaporean culture and society.

The ICA may also conduct background checks to verify the information provided in your application. This might include checking your employment history, educational records, and criminal record.

6. Outcome and Decision

Finally, the ICA will inform you of the outcome of your application. The decision will either be:

Approval:

If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to finalize your PR status.

Rejection:

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for rejection. You may be eligible to reapply after a specific period.

Deferral:

In some cases, the ICA might defer a decision and request further information or clarification.

Conclusion

The Singapore PR process can feel complex, but with proper preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth and successful journey. Understanding the steps involved, gathering the necessary documents, and navigating the application review process are all crucial elements.

For expert assistance and personalized support throughout the entire Singapore PR application process, consider scheduling a free consultation with a reputable immigration consultant.

Retail stores are sometimes the site of accidents. While not all incidents in retail stores will result in liability, those caused by the store’s negligence can support compensation claims. Shop owners and operators have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and hazard-free for lawfully present visitors. This duty includes an obligation to correct hazards the owners should know or do know about as quickly as possible to prevent injuries that could foreseeably happen. When a retail store fails to adhere to its duty of reasonable care, it can be liable when a shopper, employee, or someone there for business purposes is injured by an uncorrected hazard. The store accident lawyers at the law firm of Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, can assess your claim and help you understand your legal rights following a retail shop accident.

Retail Store Negligence and the Duty Of Care

The duty of care owed by retail stores extends to shoppers, staff, contractors, wholesalers, delivery drivers, and others. Those present for a legitimate business reason are classified as invitees under California premises liability law. Property owners and operators owe the highest duty of care to invitees since they benefit from shoppers and others there for business reasons. This duty includes inspecting the premises to identify hazards, quickly repairing discovered dangerous conditions, and warning visitors of their presence. When a shop fails in this duty, resulting in a visitor’s foreseeable injury, the store can be liable to pay damages.

Damages include the economic and non-economic losses a victim suffers because of their injury, including:

• Past and future medical expenses incurred to treat the injury
• Past lost wages and the reduction of the victim’s earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses incurred with seeking help
• Any property losses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional/psychological trauma
• Disability
• Reduced ability to enjoy life
• Other damages

What Are Store Premises?

The store’s duty to maintain its premises extends beyond the retail space. It also includes walkways, sidewalks, and parking lots leased or owned and maintained by the shop. In places where several retailers share parking lots and access sidewalks, the outside infrastructure of the zone will be a particular company’s or collective’s responsibility. For example, if someone is injured because of poor maintenance in a strip mall’s parking lot, the strip mall’s owner might be liable.

Common Causes of Retail Accidents

Many different injuries can happen while visiting retail stores. The following are common examples of incidents that could result in liability:

• Uncleaned spills on floors
• Torn carpets or broken tiles
• Slick, wet entrances during rain
• Unsafe materials and debris left in aisles
• Poorly stacked merchandise falling from shelves
• Jagged, sharp shelf or showcase edges
• Broken handrails on stairs
• Malfunctioning escalators/elevators
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells and parking lots
• Inadequate security in parking lots
• Malfunctioning mobility scooters provided to guests
• Poorly maintained sidewalks or parking lots
• Broken pavement or asphalt

What To Do If You Are Injured in a Retail Store Accident

If you are injured while shopping at a retail store, you should take the following steps:

1. Check yourself for injuries – The first thing you should do is to check yourself for injuries. If your injuries are severe and obvious, ask someone to call 911 to summon emergency help. Be aware that some injuries might not show immediate symptoms, so you should always get checked out by a doctor after a retail store or another type of accident.

2. Notify an employee – Ask a nearby employee to get the manager. If no one is nearby, ask another shopper to get the manager for you. The manager should write an incident report. They will likely ask you questions about the incident. Stick to the facts when speaking to them, and avoid assuming any fault. Ask for a copy of the report. Avoid signing anything without having your attorney review it, because you might be presented with a liability waiver.

3. Document the scene – If you can, use your smartphone to take photographs of the condition that caused your accident. You should also photograph your injuries. Look for nearby cameras in the retail store that could have caught your accident. It’s important to identify surveillance video cameras to ensure the footage is preserved. Stores typically erase this type of footage every 30 days or so.

4. Ask witnesses for their names and contact details – If others saw your accident, ask them for their names and contact information. If they agree, ask them for permission to record them with your phone explaining what they saw.

5. See a doctor – If your injuries are serious, go to the hospital from the store. Accept a ride on an ambulance. If you can safely move and don’t need an ambulance, you should still see your doctor as soon as possible. If your doctor can’t get you in, go to an urgent care center for an examination.

6. Consult a personal injury lawyer – After you have received a diagnosis of your injuries and appropriate treatment, consult a personal injury attorney at the Los Angeles law firm of Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC. It’s important to seek help quickly after a retail store accident. A lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. If you and the attorney agree to representation, your attorney can quickly send a preservation letter to the store to ensure video footage and other evidence are preserved.

7. Continue seeing your doctor – Some people fail to follow through with their medical treatment following a retail store accident. If you don’t follow your doctor’s recommendations for follow-up care, you’ll have difficulty proving your injuries were serious. This will make it harder to win your claim.

Documents to Gather After a Retail Store Accident

You’ll need to gather multiple documents following your accident. The following documents will help with your insurance claim or legal case:

• The store’s incident report
• The store’s insurance company name
• Witness information and statements
• Photos and other evidence from the store
• Medical records
• Expense receipts
• Wage loss statement

Pursuing a Retail Accident Claim

Retail stores commonly mount aggressive defense cases to accident claims. Since stores often have general liability insurance with high policy limits, the insurers tend to be especially aggressive in cases involving serious injuries because of the amount of money that might be involved. If your injuries are relatively minor, it might not be as difficult to pursue your claim. However, it’s best to consult an experienced premises liability attorney to determine your legal options and strategies. An experienced lawyer can explain the merits of your case, its strengths and weaknesses, and the arguments for and against your side. A good lawyer will provide an honest assessment of your case and whether you have grounds to move forward.