By Tom Billy
Sarah Schielke’s rise to prominence in civil rights law is a story of determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s academic journey began at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology. Her legal education continued at Boston University School of Law, where she attended on a full academic merit scholarship and served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
After graduating from law school in 2008, Schielke’s path took an unexpected turn. A series of personal challenges led her to Colorado, where she decided to start anew with no legal connections or work experience in the state. In a bold move that would set the tone for her career, Schielke posted an ad on Craigslist in 2010 offering discount legal services. Her honest approach, acknowledging her novice status while promising her best efforts, resonated with many clients and provided her invaluable experience.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which specializes in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her career has been characterized by a steep learning curve, which she embraces enthusiastically. “From there, it was much learning,” Schielke reflects. “My life has been a steep learning curve, and I love it.”
What distinguishes Schielke in civil rights law is her innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public. This approach has proven highly effective in drawing attention to incidents of police misconduct and securing substantial settlements for her clients.
One of Schielke’s most high-profile 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, leading to internal and external reviews of the police department. The case resulted in criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – significantly higher than the typical settlement amount for similar cases.
Building on this success, Schielke secured an even more substantial victory in 2022. She settled a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a record-breaking $7 million, related to what she described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Schielke’s impact on civil rights law has earned her numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country.” She received the DUI Defense Lawyers Association’s “Badass Award” in 2021 for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact on the civil rights and DUI defense fields.
Despite her professional successes, Schielke remains grounded and reflective. She credits the loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career as a transformative experience that shaped her outlook on life and law. This personal tragedy led her to embrace gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness, which informed her professional practice and personal life.
Schielke’s definition of courage is deeply rooted in her work: “Courage is trusting yourself, loving other people no matter what, and trying to leave the world a little better than you found it.” This philosophy is evident in her approach to challenging cases and powerful institutions.
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 inspires those seeking to make a difference in the legal profession and beyond. Schielke’s work benefits her clients and contributes to broader discussions about police accountability and civil rights in America.
