Sarah Schielke’s path to becoming a groundbreaking civil rights attorney began in an unexpected place – Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a desire for a fresh start brought her to Colorado in 2010. With no connections or experience, she posted an ad offering legal services at minimal cost, openly acknowledging to potential clients that she was learning alongside them. This transparent approach proved successful, quickly providing her with valuable hands-on experience.
This unconventional start evolved into the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, where she focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Having never worked under another attorney, Schielke developed her distinctive approach to civil rights cases. Her strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage has become a powerful tool in exposing police misconduct and achieving justice for her clients.
One of her most significant victories came in the Karen Garner case, involving a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. Schielke released the body camera footage and brought national attention to the case, which led to criminal charges against two officers. Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases.
Her impact continued with a $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department in a police tasing case. When threatened with contempt for releasing body camera footage, she stood firm, even wearing a t-shirt to court that proclaimed her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Recently, Schielke has filed five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services, challenging alleged wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. The cases demonstrate her ongoing commitment to holding law enforcement accountable, particularly in cases where innocent citizens face severe consequences from police misconduct.
Personal tragedy has profoundly shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer at 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial loss, transformed her perspective on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience influenced her unique philosophy that there are only “good people and good people in pain,” a viewpoint that guides her legal practice and personal interactions.
Schielke defines courage as addressing wrongs, especially when facing powerful opposition. As a woman in law, she acknowledges the additional challenges of adapting to the profession while maintaining authenticity. Her family structure supports her success, with her husband serving as a stay-at-home father to their children.
Her groundbreaking work has earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her significant impact on civil rights law and community justice. Through innovative legal strategies and unwavering commitment to accountability, Schielke has secured unprecedented settlements for her clients and helped reshape law enforcement practices throughout Colorado.
From her humble beginnings offering discount legal services to becoming a leading civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey embodies her commitment to continuous learning and growth. Her approach combines determination with innovative thinking, transforming individual lives and systemic practices in law enforcement. Her story demonstrates how unconventional methods and steadfast dedication to justice can create meaningful change in the legal system.
Throughout her career, Schielke has maintained her core principle of constant learning while fighting for justice. She has proven that innovative approaches and unwavering determination can transform the legal landscape and protect civil rights.
