Sarah Schielke’s unconventional journey in the legal world began with a humble start on Craigslist in 2010. With a degree from Boston University School of Law and a desire for a fresh start, Schielke moved to Colorado and offered discounted legal services online. This unique approach quickly gave her a wealth of experience and set the stage for her future as a prominent civil rights attorney.
2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her passion for these areas of law, evident since her days in law school, has driven her to tirelessly pursue justice for her clients. Schielke’s trailblazing approach to civil rights cases, which involves releasing body camera footage to the public, has yielded remarkable results, with her clients receiving settlements far exceeding those in similar cases.
One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved the arrest of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who a Loveland police officer injured in June 2020. By releasing the body camera footage of the incident in April 2021, Schielke brought national attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews of the Loveland Police Department. Her efforts led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family, substantially higher than the typical settlement for such cases.
Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she settled a case against the Idaho Springs Department for a record-breaking $7 million. This case involved the brutal tasing of her client in his own home by police officers in 2021. Her tireless work in the civil rights field has not gone unnoticed, as she was named USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado.
Schielke’s personal life has significantly influenced her approach to law. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career was a defining moment that led her to reframe her life and embrace gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience has undoubtedly influenced her work as an attorney and her interactions with the world.
When asked about her guiding principles, Schielke believes there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. She maintains that most individuals are trying their best, and when they act in an outrageous or repugnant manner, it is often because they suffer in their way.
To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning, seeking guidance from those with more experience, and the support of her husband, who is a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters. Her advice to her younger self is to embrace the transformative power of loss and suffering, recognizing that these experiences have shaped her into who she is today.
As Sarah Schielke continues to make waves in the legal community, her dedication to civil rights and innovative approach to litigation inspire aspiring attorneys and advocates for justice. With a string of high-profile cases and record-breaking settlements under her belt, Schielke has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in civil rights law.
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