When Sarah Schielke graduated from Boston University School of Law and moved to Colorado, her unconventional entry into legal practice began with a simple Craigslist advertisement. In 2010, she offered legal services for free or minimal cost and was refreshingly honest with potential clients about her learning curve. This unusual start proved surprisingly effective, as she quickly gained valuable experience through clients willing to take a chance on a newcomer.
By 2012, this foundation led to the establishment of her Life and Liberty Law Office, which focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her independent approach—choosing never to work under another attorney—allowed her to develop groundbreaking strategies in civil rights cases, particularly her tactical use of body camera footage to bring public attention to police misconduct.
This innovative approach yielded remarkable results in the Karen Garner case, where Schielke’s release of body camera footage exposed the mistreatment of a woman with dementia during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. The public revelation led to criminal charges against two officers: Austin Hopp received a five-year prison sentence. In contrast, Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years of probation. The case concluded with a $3 million settlement, far exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases.
Her momentum continued with an even more substantial victory – a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Department involving a tasing incident. This case showcased Schielke’s determination when faced with potential contempt charges for releasing body camera footage. Rather than backing down, she proudly stood her ground, even wearing a t-shirt to court that read, “First Amendment rights were violated in Clear Creek County, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.”
Currently, Schielke is tackling systemic issues in law enforcement through five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services, challenging alleged wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. These cases highlight her commitment to holding law enforcement accountable and protecting civil rights.
Personal tragedy has profoundly shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer at age 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial – which she lost – led to a transformative perspective on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience influenced her unique philosophy that there are only two types of people: “good people and good people in pain.”
Schielke’s definition of courage centers on correcting wrongs, especially when faced with powerful opposition. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and maintaining the determination to improve things, even when encountering resistance from authority figures.
As a woman-in-law, she acknowledges the additional challenges of adaptation while maintaining authenticity. Her success is supported by a progressive family structure, with her husband serving as a stay-at-home father to their children, enabling her to focus on her demanding civil rights practice.
Her achievements have earned her recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado, acknowledging her significant impact on civil rights law and community justice. From her early days offering discount legal services to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey exemplifies her commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Through her innovative legal strategies and unwavering dedication to justice, Schielke has secured unprecedented settlements for her clients and helped reshape accountability in law enforcement throughout Colorado. Her story demonstrates how unconventional approaches and steadfast determination can lead to meaningful change in the legal system.
