Transforming Civil Rights Law: Sarah Schielke’s Unconventional Journey to Success
An unexpected Craigslist post in 2010 began a remarkable legal career that would reshape civil rights litigation in Colorado. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, Sarah Schielke arrived in Colorado seeking a fresh start. With no connections, she made a bold choice: offering legal services at minimal cost while being transparent about her novice status.
This unorthodox approach yielded surprising results, providing rapid, real-world experience. In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. By choosing independence over traditional mentorship, she developed innovative strategies that would later become her trademark.
Her groundbreaking approach of releasing police body camera footage to the public brought unprecedented accountability to law enforcement cases. This strategy proved transformative in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during a 2020 Loveland police arrest. The footage’s release in April 2021 captured national attention and triggered comprehensive departmental reviews.
The impact was significant: Officer Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Officer Daria Jalali served 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement. Building on this momentum, Schielke secured an even more substantial victory in 2022: a record-breaking $7 million settlement for a client tased by Idaho Springs police officers in his home.
Personal loss profoundly influenced her legal philosophy. Her father’s death from cancer at 59, shortly after watching her lose her first trial, taught her valuable lessons about gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally shaped her approach to both law and life.
For Schielke, courage means confronting injustice and pursuing positive change, especially when facing powerful opposition. This was evident in a Clear Creek County case where she faced contempt charges for releasing body camera footage despite following judicial orders. Instead of retreating, she embraced the challenge, even wearing a t-shirt to court highlighting the First Amendment violation.
As a woman-in-law, Schielke acknowledges the additional adaptability required compared to male counterparts. She emphasizes maintaining authenticity while navigating professional demands and actively works to transform the system from within, supporting strong women on her staff.
Her guiding principle reflects a deep understanding of human nature: She believes there are only good people and good people in pain. Each person, she maintains, approaches their day intending to do their best, and inappropriate actions often stem from personal struggles.
Behind her success lies a commitment to continuous learning and the support of her husband, who stays home with their daughters, enabling her demanding career. This foundation allows her to maintain her innovative approach while balancing professional responsibilities.
Recognition for her transformative work came through her selection as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Her journey from a Craigslist beginner to a pioneering force in civil rights law demonstrates how determination and innovative thinking can reshape the justice system.
Through her unique combination of legal expertise and human understanding, Schielke has created a practice that wins unprecedented settlements and drives systemic change in law enforcement practices. Her approach to civil rights litigation, combining transparency with public accountability, redefines what’s possible in pursuing justice while maintaining an unwavering commitment to human dignity and positive change.
