In Colorado’s legal realm, Sarah Ss is a distinctive landscape, reshaping the contours of civil rights litigation through unconventional methods and unwavering determination. Her journey from a fledgling lawyer to a formidable advocate for justice is a testament to the power of resilience and innovative thinking.

Schielke’s legal odyssey began in an unorthodox manner. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of life events brought her to Colorado seeking a fresh start. , Faced with no work experience or legal connections, Schielke took a bold step – she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This daring move paid off, providing her with invaluable hands-on experience and laying the foundation for her future success.

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’s strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

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. By releasing the body camera footage in April 2021, Schielke catapulted the case into the national spotlight. This move prompted both internal and external reviews of the incident and the department as a whole. The outcome was significant: two officers faced criminal charges, and the Garner family received a $3 million settlement – a figure that dwarfs the typical “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar 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. The case involved what Schielke described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to civil rights have not gone unnoticed. Schielke was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for Colorado, an honor recognizing women who have significantly impacted their communities and across the country.

Schielke’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. She acknowledges that as a woman-in-law, there’s a need for adaptability that woman-in-law counterparts might not face. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating these challenges.

One of Schielke’s proudest moments came from a case in CleaCounty, Colorado. When she released body camera footage of her client being tased by police, despite potential legal repercussions, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride in standing up for what she believed was right. Even when faced with a contempt citation (which was later dismissed), Schielke stood wearing a t-shirt to her next court appearance, boldly declaring that her First Amendment rights had been violated.

Schielke’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped Schielke’s perspective on life and how her father’s cancer early in her legal career led her to reframe her life, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience, she believes, has made her the person and lawyer she is today.

For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and effect positive change, even when faced with powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her professional and personal life.

To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and isn’t afraid to reach out to those with more experience. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.

Reflecting on her journey, Schielke notes that her younger self would be unrecognizable to who she is now. Through experiences of loss and suffering, she has worked tirelessly on personal growth and how she interacts with the world.

Sarah Schielke’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individpowerfully reminds us of with determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to civil rights law continues to set new standards for advocacy and legal representation, not just in Colorado, but across the nation. As she continues to champion the rights of the vulnerable and challenge the status quo, Schielke stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in an often complex and intimidating legal system.

• Law