By When Sarah Schielke arrived in Colorado after graduating from Boston University School of Law, she took an unconventional first step into legal practice—posting an ad on Craigslist. In 2010, she offered legal services at minimal cost and was remarkably honest with potential clients about her learning curve. This transparent approach resonated with many, allowing her to gain extensive experience rapidly in the field.
This foundation led to the establishment the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, where she specialized in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Breaking from tradition by never working under another attorney, Schielke developed innovative strategies in civil rights cases, particularly her tactical use of body camera footage to expose police misconduct.
Her breakthrough came with the Karen Garner case, where she released footage showing the mistreatment of a woman with dementia during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. The public exposure 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 with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, significantly exceeding the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases.
This success was followed by an even larger victory—a record-breaking $7 million settlement with the Idaho Springs Department in a police tasing incident. When faced with potential contempt charges for releasing body camera footage, Schielke stood firm, even wearing a T-shirt to court that proudly declared her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Currently, she’s taking on systemic issues 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, particularly when innocent citizens face severe consequences from police misconduct.
Personal loss has profoundly influenced her approach to law and life. The death of her father from cancer at 59, shortly after witnessing her first trial loss, led to a transformative perspective on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience shaped her unique philosophy that people are either “good people or good people in pain,” a viewpoint that guides her legal practice and personal interactions.
Her definition of courage centers on addressing wrongs, especially when confronting powerful opposition. Schielke emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, even when faced with institutional resistance. As a woman-in-law, she acknowledges the additional challenges of adapting to the profession while maintaining authenticity, supported by a family structure where her husband is a stay-at-home father to their children.
Recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado acknowledges her significant impact on civil rights law and community justice. Through her innovative legal strategies and unwavering commitment to accountability, Schielke has secured unprecedented settlements for her clients and helped reshape law enforcement practices throughout Colorado.
From her early days offering discount legal services to becoming a leading civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey embodies her belief in continuous learning and growth. Her approach combines determination with innovative thinking, transforming individual lives and systemic practices in law enforcement. Her story demonstrates how unconventional methods and steadfast dedication to justice can create meaningful change in the legal system, paving the way for more accountable law enforcement practices in Colorado.
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