In civil rights litigation, Sarah Schielke stands out as a formidable force, carving her path and challenging the status quo. Her journey from a fresh law school graduate to a groundbreaking attorney is a testament to her resilience, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Schielke’s legal odyssey began unconventionally. 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 boldly advertised discount legal services on Craigslist. This unorthodox approach proved fruitful, providing Schielke with a wealth of experience in a short time.

In 2012, Schielke founded 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. This move has drawn significant attention and resulted in settlements far exceeding the norm for similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s decision to release the body camera footage in April 2021 catapulted the case into the national spotlight, prompting both internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department as a whole.

The fallout from this case was 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 streak of success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department. This case involved what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Her innovative approach and dedication to justice have not gone unnoticed. Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing her significant impact in her community and across the country. She has also consistently been named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and received the prestigious “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.

Sarah Schielke has carved out a unique path in civil rights law through her groundbreaking strategies, unwavering commitment to justice, and personal growth. Her work continues to impact her clients and the legal landscape of Colorado, challenging the status quo and pushing for meaningful change in the pursuit of justice.

As Schielke continues to blaze trails in the legal world, her story inspires aspiring lawyers and beacons hope for those seeking justice in a complex legal system. Her unconventional journey and innovative approaches demonstrate that with determination, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to one’s principles, it’s possible to effect real change and significantly impact civil rights law.

• Lawyer