Fearless Advocate: Sarah Schielke’s Journey from Craigslist to Civil Rights Champion

A legal career that began with a Craigslist advertisement in 2010 has evolved into one of Colorado’s most influential civil rights practices. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, Sarah Schielke found herself in Colorado seeking new beginnings. With remarkable candor, she posted an ad offering legal services at minimal cost, openly acknowledging her status as a newcomer.

This unconventional start provided unexpected opportunities, allowing her to gain extensive experience rapidly. By 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her decision to never work under another attorney enabled her to forge unique approaches that would later transform civil rights advocacy.

Schielke developed a robust strategy of releasing police body camera footage to the public, bringing unprecedented transparency to law enforcement accountability. This approach proved crucial in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during a 2020 Loveland police arrest. The footage’s release in April 2021 sparked national attention and triggered comprehensive departmental reviews.

The impact was substantial: Officer Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Officer Daria Jalali served 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, dramatically exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement. Schielke continued this momentum in 2022, securing a record-breaking $7 million settlement for a client tased by Idaho Springs police officers in his home.

Personal tragedy shaped her approach to law profoundly. Her father’s death from cancer at 59, shortly after watching her lose her first trial, led her to embrace gratitude and forgiveness. This experience fundamentally transformed her perspective on both life and legal practice.

Her definition of courage emerges from her work: the determination to address wrongs and pursue improvement, particularly when facing powerful opposition. This was exemplified in a Clear Creek County case where she faced contempt charges for releasing body camera footage despite following judicial orders. Rather than retreating, she embraced the challenge, even wearing a t-shirt to court highlighting the First Amendment violation.

As a woman-in-law, Schielke acknowledges the additional adaptability required compared to male colleagues. She emphasizes maintaining authenticity while navigating professional demands and actively works to transform the system from within, mentoring strong women on her staff.

Her guiding principle reveals a compassionate worldview: She believes there are only good people and good people in pain. Each person, she maintains, approaches their day intending to do their best, and inappropriate actions often stem from personal struggles.

Behind her success lies a commitment to continuous learning and the crucial support of her husband, who stays home with their daughters, enabling her demanding career. This foundation allows her to maintain her innovative approach while balancing professional responsibilities.

Recognition for her groundbreaking work came through her selection as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado. Her journey from a Craigslist beginner to a pioneering force in civil rights law demonstrates how determination and innovative thinking can reshape the justice system.

Through her unique combination of legal expertise and human understanding, Schielke has created a practice that wins unprecedented settlements and drives systemic change in law enforcement practices. Her approach to civil rights litigation, combining transparency with public accountability, redefines what’s possible in pursuing justice while maintaining an unwavering commitment to human dignity.


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Jovany Maxwell