When Sarah Schielke posted her first legal services advertisement on Craigslist in 2010, few could have predicted this humble beginning would lead to groundbreaking changes in civil rights litigation. Fresh from Boston University School of Law and seeking a new start in Colorado, Schielke offered legal assistance at minimal cost, openly acknowledging her newcomer status while promising her best efforts.
This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective, providing her with extensive practical experience in a short time. By 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights cases. Her independent spirit – choosing never to work under another attorney – enabled her to develop unique approaches to civil rights litigation that would later become her hallmark.
Schielke revolutionized civil rights advocacy by strategically using police body camera footage. By making these recordings public, she brought unprecedented attention to police misconduct cases. This approach proved particularly effective in representing Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during a Loveland police arrest in 2020. The release of the footage in April 2021 not only garnered national attention but also prompted thorough departmental investigations.
The impact was decisive: Officer Austin Hopp received a five-year prison sentence, while Officer Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days plus three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases. Schielke followed this success with an even more substantial victory in 2022, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement for a client who Idaho Springs police officers tased in his own home.
Personal tragedy has deeply influenced her legal philosophy. The loss of her father to cancer at age 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial loss, led her to embrace a perspective centered on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally shaped her approach to law and life, making her the attorney she is today.
Her courage manifests in her determination to address injustices, particularly when confronting powerful opposition. Schielke believes in the power of self-trust and unconditional love while working to improve the world. As a female attorney, she recognizes the additional adaptability required compared to male counterparts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity while navigating professional demands.
A defining moment in her career came during a Clear Creek County case when she faced contempt charges for releasing body camera footage despite following the judge’s orders precisely. Rather than backing down, she embraced the challenge, even wearing a T-shirt to court highlighting the First Amendment violation—a case that ultimately resulted in a $7 million settlement.
Schielke’s worldview reflects her compassionate approach: she sees humanity divided simply into good people and good people in pain. She believes everyone strives to do their best each day, and those who misbehave often struggle with their challenges.
Her innovative work in civil rights law earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Beyond her legal achievements, she credits her success to constant learning and the support of her husband, who stays home with their daughters, enabling her to pursue her demanding career.
Schielke’s journey from a Craigslist novice to a transformative force in civil rights law demonstrates how determination, innovative thinking, and unwavering principles can reshape the justice system. Her story is a testament to the power of forging one’s path while maintaining a commitment to positive change and human dignity.
