Sarah Schielke, a magna cum laude graduate of Middlebury College and Boston University School of Law, has carved out a remarkable career in criminal defense and civil rights law. Her journey began unconventionally in 2010 when she moved to Colorado and advertised discount legal services on Craigslist, gaining valuable experience rapidly.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which specializes in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her unique approach to civil rights cases, particularly her strategy of releasing body camera footage to the public, has yielded unprecedented success. This innovative tactic has brought national attention to her cases and resulted in substantially larger settlements for her clients.
Schielke’s work gained significant recognition in 2021 with the Karen Garner case. By releasing body camera footage of Garner’s arrest, Schielke brought the case to light, sparking national media attention and prompting internal and external reviews of the Loveland Police Department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – far exceeding the typical settlement amount for similar cases.
In 2022, Schielke continued her streak of success, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department. This case involved the tasing of her client in his own home, further cementing Schielke’s reputation as a formidable advocate for civil rights.
Her groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Schielke was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, recognizing women who have significantly impacted their communities and countrywide. She also received the “Badass Award” from DUIDLA in 2021, the organization’s highest honor, for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact on civil rights and DUI defense.
Schielke’s approach to law is characterized by continuous learning and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, loving others unconditionally, and striving to improve the world. Her guiding principle is the belief that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective informs her approach to her clients and opponents in legal battles.
Despite facing adversity, including losing her father early in her career, Schielke has used these experiences to fuel her determination and reshape her outlook on life. She credits her success to constant learning, reaching out to more experienced individuals, and the support of her husband, who is a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters.
Schielke’s impact extends beyond individual cases. She has been instrumental in challenging police misconduct and pushing for greater accountability in law enforcement. Her work has secured justice for her clients and contributed to broader discussions about civil rights and police reform.
As a leader in her field, Schielke continues to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in civil rights litigation. Her commitment to justice, innovative legal strategies, and unwavering determination have made her a powerful advocate for those whose rights have been violated. Through her work, Sarah Schielke is not just winning cases; she’s changing the landscape of civil rights law and inspiring a new generation of attorneys to fight for justice with creativity and courage.