Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming one of Colorado’s most impactful civil rights attorneys began with an unconventional Craigslist ad 2010. Fresh out of Boston University School of Law and seeking a new start in Colorado, Schielke offered discount legal services to gain experience. This bold move laid the foundation for a career marked by innovation and unwavering commitment to justice.

2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her approach to these cases has been nothing short of revolutionary. By releasing body camera footage to the public, Schielke has brought national attention to instances of police misconduct, securing unprecedented settlements for her clients.

The Karen Garner case in 2021 exemplifies Schielke’s groundbreaking strategy. By making public the body camera footage of Garner’s arrest, Schielke not only brought the case to light but also prompted internal and external reviews of the Loveland Police Department. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family, dwarfing the typical settlement amount for similar cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident. These high-profile victories have earned Schielke national recognition, including being named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year in 2023.

Her legal understanding, philosophy, and approach to her work set Schielke apart. She views courage as the determination to right wrongs and improve the world, even in the face of powerful opposition. Her guiding principle is a belief in the fundamental goodness of people, seeing even those who act reprehensibly as “good people in pain.”

Schielke’s path has been challenging. The loss of her father early in her career became a pivotal moment, reshaping her perspective on life and law. This experience instilled in her a sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness that now informs her approach to her personal life and legal practice.

Her strategy for overcoming adversity involves constant learning and seeking advice from more experienced individuals. Schielke credits much of her success to this continuous pursuit of knowledge and the unwavering support of her husband, who serves as a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters.

Schielke’s impact extends far beyond individual cases. Her work has been instrumental in challenging police misconduct and pushing for greater accountability in law enforcement. By consistently achieving settlements far exceeding the norm, she’s redefining expectations in civil rights litigation and inspiring a new generation of attorneys to fight creatively and courageously for justice.

The attorney’s unique blend of legal expertise, innovative tactics, and deeply held principles has made her a formidable force in the courtroom and a beacon of hope for those whose rights have been violated. Schielke’s career is a powerful reminder of a determined individual’s impact in pursuing justice.

As she continues to take on high-profile cases and challenge systemic issues within law enforcement, Schielke remains committed to her core values of trusting oneself, loving others unconditionally, and striving to leave the world better than she found it. Her work secures justice for her clients and contributes to broader discussions about civil rights and police reform.
Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice attorney advertising on Craigslist to a nationally recognized civil rights champion is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to one’s principles. As she continues pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in civil rights litigation, Schielke stands as an inspiring figure in the legal community and beyond, proving that it’s possible to effect meaningful change in pursuing justice with courage and determination.