In civil rights litigation, Sarah Schielke stands out as a formidable force, reshaping the landscape with her unconventional methods and unwavering dedication to justice. Her journey from a fresh-faced law school graduate to a groundbreaking attorney is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion for defending the rights of the underserved.

Schielke’s legal career began in an unexpected place: Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of personal challenges led her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no professional connections or experience, she took a leap of faith, posting an ad offering discount legal services. This bold move paid off, providing Schielke with a wealth of experience in record time.

In 2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since her law school days. Her approach to civil rights cases has been nothing short of revolutionary. Schielke developed a unique strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases, drawing significant attention and resulting in settlements far exceeding the norm.

One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s decision to release the body camera footage in April 2021 thrust the case into the national spotlight, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department.

The repercussions were substantial. Two officers faced criminal charges, with Austin Hopp receiving a five-year prison sentence and Daria Jalali serving 45 days in jail, followed by three years of probation. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, dwarfing the typical settlement of less than $100,000 for comparable cases.

Schielke’s winning streak continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for what she described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Her innovative approach and dedication to justice have earned her recognition as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, acknowledging her significant impact on her community and country. She has also been consistently named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and received the “Badass Award” from DUIDLA in 2021 for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her contributions to civil rights and DUI defense.

Schielke’s path to success has been marked by challenges, particularly as a woman in the legal field. She acknowledges the need for adaptability but emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself while working to change the system from within.

One of Schielke’s proudest moments came during a case in Clear Creek County, Colorado. She fought tirelessly to release body camera footage of her client being tased by police, standing her ground despite potential legal repercussions. Her unwavering commitment to justice paid off, with the case ultimately settling for $7 million.

Schielke’s perspective on life and law was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted her to reassess her approach to life, fostering a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness.

For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and effect positive change, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain, an outlook that informs her approach to law and life.

Schielke’s success is built on a foundation of continuous learning and a supportive family structure, including her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters. Her advice to her younger self? Keep loving to learn – there’s plenty ahead.

Most recently, Schielke has taken on the Fort Collins Police Services, filing five lawsuits on behalf of individuals alleging wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. The lawsuits claim that the officer in question had wrongfully arrested more than 17 people in one year, with blood tests showing no alcohol in their systems. Schielke’s allegations extend beyond the officer to the department’s leadership, questioning their supervision practices and public statements about the cases.

Through her groundbreaking strategies, unwavering commitment to justice, and personal growth, Sarah Schielke continues to impact her clients and Colorado’s legal landscape. Her work challenges the status quo, pushing for meaningful change in pursuing justice and holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct.