When Sarah Schielke turned to Craigslist in 2010 to launch her legal career, it began an extraordinary journey in civil rights law. After graduating from Boston University School of Law and seeking a fresh start in Colorado, she made an unconventional choice: offering legal services at minimal cost while being candid about her novice status.
This unusual approach yielded unexpected success, providing her with extensive practical experience. In 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. By choosing never to work under another attorney, Schielke developed distinctive methods that would later transform civil rights advocacy.
Her breakthrough strategy involved making police body camera footage public, a move that redefined accountability in law enforcement cases. This approach proved pivotal in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during a 2020 Loveland police arrest. When Schielke released the footage in April 2021, it captured national attention and prompted extensive departmental investigations.
The results were compelling: Officer Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Officer Daria Jalali served 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case concluded with a $3 million settlement exceeding the typical $100,000 for similar cases. Building on this momentum, Schielke secured an even more significant victory in 2022: a record-breaking $7 million settlement for a client tased by Idaho Springs police officers in his own home.
Personal loss profoundly influenced her legal philosophy. Her father’s death from cancer at 59, shortly after witnessing her first trial loss, taught her the value of gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally shaped her approach to both law and life.
For Schielke, courage means addressing wrongs and pursuing positive change, particularly when confronting powerful opposition. Her boldest moment came during a Clear Creek County case, where she faced contempt charges for releasing body camera footage despite following judicial orders. Rather than backing down, she embraced the challenge, even wearing a t-shirt to court highlighting the First Amendment violation.
As a female attorney, 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 the strong women on her staff.
Her guiding principle reflects a compassionate worldview: She believes there are only good people and good people in pain. She sees individuals trying their best daily and recognizes that 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 to civil rights law while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
Schielke’s impact on civil rights litigation earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Her journey from posting on Craigslist to becoming a transformative 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 continues to challenge conventional approaches to civil rights cases. Her transparency and public accountability strategy has not only won unprecedented settlements but has also helped drive systemic change in law enforcement practices. Her story is a testament to the power of forging an independent path while maintaining an unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.
