In civil rights litigation, Sarah Schielke emerges as a formidable force, reshaping the landscape with her unorthodox methods and unwavering dedication to justice. Her journey from a fresh law school graduate to a groundbreaking attorney is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion for defending the rights of the underserved.
Schielke’s legal career began in an unexpected place: Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, personal challenges led her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no professional connections, she boldly advertised discount legal services online. This unconventional approach paid off, providing Schielke with invaluable experience in record time.
In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since law school. Her approach to civil rights cases has been revolutionary, particularly her strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases. This tactic has drawn significant attention and resulted in settlements far exceeding the norm.
One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s decision to release the body camera footage in April 2021 catapulted the case into the national spotlight, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department.
The repercussions were substantial. Two officers faced criminal charges: Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Daria Jalali served 45 days in jail and three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, dwarfing the typical settlement of less than $100,000 for comparable cases.
Schielke’s winning streak continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for what she described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.
Her innovative approach and dedication to justice have earned her recognition as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year. She has also been consistently named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense. In 2021, she received the “Badass Award” from DUIDLA for her work on Supreme Court case amicus briefs and contributions to civil rights and DUI defense.
Schielke’s path has been marked by challenges, particularly as a woman in the legal field. She acknowledges the need for adaptability but emphasizes staying true to oneself while working to change the system from within.
One of Schielke’s proudest moments came during a case in Clear Creek County, Colorado. She fought tirelessly to release body camera footage of her client being tased by police, standing her ground despite potential legal repercussions. Her unwavering commitment paid off with a $7 million settlement.
Schielke’s perspective on life and law was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted her to reassess her approach to life, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness.
For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and effect positive change, even in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain, an outlook that informs her approach to law and life.
Schielke’s success is built on continuous learning and a supportive family structure, including her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters. Her advice to her younger self? Keep loving to learn – there’s plenty ahead.
Most recently, Schielke has taken on the Fort Collins Police Services, filing five lawsuits on behalf of individuals alleging wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. The lawsuits claim that the officer in question had wrongfully arrested more than 17 people in one year, with blood tests showing no alcohol in their systems. Schielke’s allegations extend beyond the officer to the department’s leadership, questioning their supervision practices and public statements about the cases.
Through her groundbreaking strategies, unwavering commitment to justice, and personal growth, Sarah Schielke continues to impact her clients and Colorado’s legal landscape. Her work challenges the status quo, pushing for meaningful change in pursuing justice and holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct. As she forges ahead, Schielke remains a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in a complex legal system, proving that with determination, creativity, and principle, it’s possible to effect real change in civil rights law.