Sarah Schielke: From Craigslist to Courtroom Champion – A Civil Rights Lawyer’s Unconventional Journey

In the landscape of Colorado’s legal world, Sarah Schielke stands out as a beacon of innovation and determination. Her path from a fresh law school graduate to a groundbreaking civil rights attorney is a testament to her resilience and unorthodox approach to the practice of law.

Schielke’s legal odyssey began in 2010, two years after graduating from Boston University School of Law. Finding herself in Colorado after what she candidly describes as “a series of bad life decisions” in her twenties, Schielke faced the challenge of starting her career without connections or experience. Her solution? A Craigslist ad offering discount legal services, a move that proved surprisingly fruitful. “I can’t believe how many people look for lawyers on Craigslist because I got a ton of experience very quickly,” Schielke reflects.

This unconventional start laid the foundation for her own practice, the Life and Liberty Law Office, which she opened in 2012. Specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation, Schielke embraced the steep learning curve that came with charting her own course. “My whole life has really been a steep learning curve, and I just love it,” she says, encapsulating her enthusiasm for continuous growth and challenge.

What truly sets Schielke apart is her innovative approach to civil rights cases. She pioneered a strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases, a tactic that has proven remarkably effective. This approach not only draws public attention to important issues but also results in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

A prime example of Schielke’s impact is the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police. By releasing the body camera footage in April 2021, Schielke catapulted the case into the national spotlight. This bold move led to internal and external reviews of the incident and the police department, resulting in criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – a figure Schielke notes is substantially higher than the usual settlement for such cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department, involving what she described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Her path hasn’t been without obstacles, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field. Schielke acknowledges the need for adaptability while staying true to oneself. She’s committed not just to her own success but to changing the system from within, mentoring other strong women on her staff.

A defining moment in Schielke’s career came during a case in Clear Creek County. Despite the risk of legal repercussions, she stood firm in her decision to release body camera footage she believed would vindicate her client. This act of defiance, resulting in a contempt citation (later dismissed), stands as one of her proudest moments. “I have never felt so proud in my life because I knew it was probably going to happen, but I knew they were wrong, and I knew I was doing what was right,” Schielke recounts.

Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s approach to law and life. The loss of her father to cancer early in her career led to a profound reframing of her perspective, instilling a deep sense of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness – qualities that continue to influence her work and worldview.

For Schielke, courage means the determination to right wrongs and improve situations, especially in the face of powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her legal work and personal interactions.

Schielke’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing her significant contributions to civil rights law. She continues to share her expertise, lecturing across the country on DUI defense strategies and serving as President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association.

Sarah Schielke’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her unconventional start on Craigslist to becoming a celebrated civil rights attorney, she has carved out a unique path in the legal world. Her journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge norms, one can make a significant impact in the pursuit of justice.

Schielke’s advice to her younger self encapsulates her journey: “Keep loving to learn − you’re going to do a lot of it.” This sentiment reflects not only her personal growth but also her ongoing dedication to pushing boundaries and reshaping the landscape of civil rights law in Colorado and beyond.