Starting a legal career through a Craigslist advertisement might seem unconventional, but for Sarah Schielke, it was the foundation of a transformative journey in civil rights law. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008 and making what she describes as “a series of bad life decisions in her 20s,” Schielke found herself in Colorado seeking a fresh start. With no connections or experience, she took the bold step of offering discounted legal services online.
The gamble paid off. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke reflects. By 2012, she had established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her independent path allowed her to develop innovative strategies, particularly in civil rights cases.
Schielke’s breakthrough came with her representation of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during a June 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. Rather than following traditional legal pathways, Schielke released body camera footage of the incident in April 2021, bringing national media attention to the case. This strategic move led to internal and external department reviews, resulting in criminal charges against two officers. Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail, followed by three years of probation.
The Garner case settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical settlement amount of less than $100,000 for similar cases. Building on this success, Schielke secured an even more substantial victory in 2022 with a $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department for a tasing incident involving her client in his own home.
Her approach to justice extends beyond monetary settlements. When representing a client in Clear Creek County who was tased by police in May 2021, Schielke fought to release body camera footage despite judicial resistance. After following the judge’s order to blur specific faces, she released the footage and received a contempt citation – a moment she now considers one of her proudest. “I knew they were wrong, and I knew I was doing what was right,” she says. The case ultimately settled for $7 million.
Personal tragedy has shaped Schielke’s perspective on law and life. The loss of her father to cancer at age 59, shortly after witnessing her first trial, led her to embrace gratitude and forgiveness. This experience influences her guiding principle that there are “two types of people: good people, and good people in pain.”
Her definition of courage centers on acting against wrongdoing, especially when faced with powerful opposition. “Courage is trusting yourself, loving other people no matter what, and trying to leave the world a little better than you found it,” she explains.
Academic excellence marked Schielke’s early career, graduating magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a psychology degree before attending law school on a full academic merit scholarship. Her achievements have earned her recognition as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, acknowledging her impact on civil rights in Colorado.
Schielke credits her success to constant learning and the support of her husband, who serves as a stay-at-home father to their children. Her approach to adversity involves extensive research and reaching out to more experienced colleagues for guidance.
Through her unconventional methods and unwavering commitment to justice, Schielke has established herself as a formidable force in civil rights law. She consistently achieves unprecedented results for her clients while challenging traditional power structures within the legal system.
