Sarah Schielke’s unconventional journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, Schielke found herself in Colorado seeking a fresh start following what she candidly describes as “a series of bad life decisions” in her 20s.

With no legal connections or work experience in the state, Schielke took a bold and innovative approach to launching her career. In 2010, she posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services, assisting for free or minimal cost while being upfront about her novice status. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke recalls. This unorthodox strategy proved to be the foundation of her future success.

2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her career has been marked by a steep learning curve, which she embraces wholeheartedly. “From there, it was much learning,” Schielke says. “My life has been a steep learning curve, and I love it.”

What sets Schielke apart in civil rights law is her innovative approach to police misconduct cases. She has developed a unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public, drawing significant attention to incidents of excessive force and rights violations. This approach has proven highly effective, resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought national media attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the police department. The investigations led to criminal charges against two officers: Austin Hopp was sentenced to five years in prison, and Daria Jalali received 45 days in jail, followed by three years of probation. The city settled with the Garner family for $3 million, a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the typical “going rate” of less than $100,000 for such cases.

In 2022, Schielke achieved another significant victory, securing 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.

Schielke’s impact on civil rights law has earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. This award acknowledges women who have significantly impacted their communities and the country.

When asked about her proudest moment, Schielke recounts a case in Clear Creek County where she fought to release body camera footage of her client being tased by police. Despite facing potential contempt charges, she stood firm in her conviction to release the footage, viewing it as a defense of First Amendment rights. This act of defiance exemplifies her commitment to transparency and justice.

Schielke’s definition of courage is deeply rooted in her work: “The brand of courage that I try to live by and teach to my kids is to try and execute, to have the determination to fix a wrong that you see, or make things better, even if people are telling you ‘no,’ or especially if the people who are telling you ‘no’ have much power and are scary.”

Her approach to overcoming adversity involves constant learning and seeking guidance from more experienced individuals. Schielke also emphasizes the importance of her support system, particularly her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters.

As she continues to make waves in civil rights law, Sarah Schielke remains committed to learning, growing, and fighting for justice. Her unique journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights attorney serves as an inspiration to those seeking to make a difference in the legal profession and beyond. Through her innovative strategies and unwavering dedication, Schielke is achieving justice for her clients and contributing to broader discussions about police accountability and civil rights in America.