In an era when traditional career paths dominate the legal profession, Sarah Schielke chose a different route. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of life changes brought her to Colorado, where she sought renewal. With no professional connections, she made an audacious move: advertising legal services on Craigslist, offering assistance at minimal cost while being transparent about her learning journey.
This bold strategy proved unexpectedly successful, providing rapid, hands-on experience. By 2012, Schielke launched the Life and Liberty Law Office, dedicating her practice to criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her choice to never work under another attorney allowed her to develop groundbreaking approaches to civil rights cases.
Schielke’s innovative strategy of releasing police body camera footage to the public transformed how civil rights cases unfold. This approach proved particularly powerful in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police. When Schielke released the footage in April 2021, it sparked national attention and led to comprehensive departmental reviews.
The consequences were significant: Officer Austin Hopp received five years in prison, while Officer Daria Jalali served 45 days with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million – dramatically higher than the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases. Schielke continued this momentum, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement in 2022 for a client tased by Idaho Springs police officers in his home.
Loss has profoundly shaped Schielke’s approach to law. Her father’s death from cancer at 59, shortly after watching her lose her first trial, led her to embrace gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally altered her perspective on both life and legal practice.
For Schielke, courage means confronting wrongs and pursuing improvement, especially when facing powerful opposition. She believes in self-trust and universal love while working to enhance the world. Her proudest moment came from standing firm during 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 colleagues. She emphasizes maintaining authenticity while navigating professional demands and actively works to transform the system from within, mentoring strong women on her staff.
Her guiding philosophy reveals a unique perspective: She sees only two types of people—good people and good people in pain. She believes everyone approaches each day intending to do their best, and those who misbehave often struggle with their challenges.
Recognition for her groundbreaking work came when she was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Behind her success lies a commitment to constant learning and the support of her husband, who stays home with their daughters, enabling her demanding career.
Schielke’s journey from a Craigslist beginner to a transformative force in civil rights law demonstrates how determination and innovative thinking can reshape the justice system. Her approach combines legal expertise with deep human understanding, creating a practice that wins cases and changes lives. Through her unique blend of courage, compassion, and strategic innovation, Schielke continues to redefine what’s possible in civil rights litigation while maintaining her commitment to justice and human dignity.
