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Sarah Schielke: Trailblazing Colorado Lawyer Reshaping Civil Rights Litigation

by Conor Adan

Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is as unconventional as inspiring. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, life events led her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, Schielke boldly posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This unorthodox approach quickly gave her valuable knowledge and laid 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 law school. Her decision to never work under another attorney allowed her to forge her path in the legal field, particularly in civil rights cases. Schielke’s innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public has proven highly effective, resulting in substantially larger settlements than typical for similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most notable 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 brought national attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – far exceeding the usual settlement amount for such cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident. Her work in civil rights has earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado.

Throughout her career, Schielke has demonstrated remarkable courage and determination. She recalls a proud moment when she released body camera footage in a case despite the risk of being held in contempt of court. This act of defiance, which she believed was necessary to vindicate her client, exemplifies her commitment to justice and willingness to challenge authority when needed.

Schielke’s approach to law and life has been shaped by personal experiences, including the loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career. This profound loss made her reframe her perspective, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. She believes there are two types of people in the world: good people and good people in pain, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion.

Her definition of courage involves the determination to right wrongs and make positive changes, even when faced with powerful opposition. Schielke strives to trust herself, love others unconditionally, and leave the world better than she found it. She overcomes adversity through constant learning, seeking knowledge from various sources and more experienced individuals.

Schielke’s success is also supported by her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, allowing her to focus on her demanding career. Looking back, she acknowledges her significant personal growth, crediting her experiences of loss and suffering for shaping her into the person she is today.

As a trailblazer in civil rights law, Sarah Schielke continues to make a significant impact in her field. Her unique approach, unwavering determination, and commitment to justice have benefited her clients and contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and civil rights. Schielke’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and advocates, demonstrating that with courage, adaptability, and a passion for learning, it’s possible to create meaningful change in the legal system and society at large.

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