Sarah Schielke, a formidable force in criminal defense and civil rights law, has redefined the landscape of legal advocacy in Colorado. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s journey to becoming a trailblazing attorney began with her magna cum laude graduation from Middlebury College, followed by a full academic merit scholarship to Boston University School of Law.

After law school, Schielke boldly moved to Colorado, where she established her practice. Her unconventional start 2010 involved posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This bold approach quickly garnered her valuable experience and laid the foundation for the Life and Liberty Law Office, which she opened in 2012.

Schielke’s innovative tactics in civil rights cases have set her apart from her peers. She’s pioneered the strategy of releasing body camera footage from her client’s cases to the public. This move has proven incredibly effective in drawing attention to police misconduct and securing justice for her clients.

Her groundbreaking work came to national prominence with the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during an arrest by Loveland police officers in 2020. Schielke’s decision to release the body camera footage in April 2021 catapulted the case into the national spotlight, prompting internal and external investigations of the incident and the police department. The resulting $3 million settlement exceeded typical amounts for similar cases, and two officers faced criminal charges.

Building on this success, Schielke secured another landmark victory in 2022, settling a case against the Idaho Springs Department for $7 million. This case involved a client who had been subjected to a “brutal tasing attack” in his own home, further cementing Schielke’s reputation as a relentless advocate for civil rights.

Schielke’s commitment to justice extends beyond high-profile cases. She’s currently spearheading multiple lawsuits against the Fort Collins Police Services, addressing a series of alleged wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. These suits claim that the officer in question wrongfully arrested more than 17 people in just one year, with subsequent blood tests revealing no alcohol in the arrestees’ systems.

Her impactful work has earned her numerous accolades. In 2023, Schielke was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, recognizing her as a champion of change. She also received the DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” in 2021 for her contributions to United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her influential work in civil rights and DUI defense.

Schielke’s approach to law is marked by continuous learning and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of courage, defining it as the determination to rectify wrongs and improve situations, even in the face of powerful opposition. Her guiding principle is the belief that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective informs her approach to her clients and her opponents in court.

Despite her challenges and opposition, Schielke remains steadfast in improving the justice system. She views her role as an attorney and an agent of change, working tirelessly to hold law enforcement accountable and secure justice for those wronged by the system.

Her personal life complements Schielke’s success in the legal field. She credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad, to their children, supporting her pursuit of her demanding career.

From her early days of offering discount legal services on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Sarah Schielke’s journey is a testament to her resilience, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her work continues challenging the status quo in law enforcement and criminal justice, setting new standards for accountability and compensation in civil rights cases.

As Schielke forges ahead, she remains dedicated to her clients and the broader cause of civil rights. Her unique approach to litigation, combined with her tenacity and compassion, continues to reshape the landscape of civil rights law in Colorado and beyond.