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Sarah Schielke: From Grassroots Legal Practice to Civil Rights Powerhouse

In 2010, a fresh law graduate from Boston University took an unorthodox approach to launching her legal career – she posted an ad on Craigslist. Sarah Schielke, seeking a new beginning in Colorado after what she describes as “a series of bad life decisions in my 20s,” offered legal services at minimal or no cost, openly acknowledging to potential clients that she was learning as she went. This candid approach proved surprisingly successful, quickly providing her with extensive practical experience.

This grassroots start evolved into the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, where Schielke focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her decision never to work under another attorney freed her to develop innovative legal strategies, particularly in civil rights cases. She pioneered the release of public body camera footage to bring attention to police misconduct, a strategy that would prove transformative in several high-profile cases.

One of her most significant victories came in the Karen Garner case. When Schielke released footage showing Loveland police officers’ mistreatment of Garner, a woman with dementia, during a 2020 arrest, the case gained national attention. The exposure led to criminal charges against two officers: Austin Hopp received a five-year prison sentence, and Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, dramatically exceeding the usual $100,000 settlement for similar cases.

Her commitment to justice continued with a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Department involving a police tasing incident. This case highlighted her boldness in the face of authority—when threatened with contempt for releasing body camera footage, she not only stood her ground but wore a T-shirt to court, mocking the violation of her First Amendment rights.

Most recently, Schielke has filed five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services, challenging a series of alleged wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. These cases demonstrate her ongoing dedication to police accountability and civil rights protection.

Personal tragedy has deeply influenced her legal philosophy. The loss of her father to cancer at 59, shortly after he witnessed her first trial loss, led to a profound shift in her perspective. This experience shaped her unique view that people fall into two categories: “good people and good people in pain” – a philosophy that informs both her legal approach and personal interactions.

Her definition of courage centers on addressing wrongs, especially when facing powerful opposition. This principle guides her legal practice and her approach to teaching her children about standing up for what’s right.

As a woman in law, Schielke acknowledges the additional challenges of adapting to the profession while maintaining authenticity. Her family structure supports her success, with her husband taking on the role of stay-at-home father to their children, enabling her focused dedication to civil rights work.

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. 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 humble beginnings offering discount legal services to becoming a leading civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey embodies her advice to “keep loving to learn.” Her story demonstrates how determination, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to justice can transform individual lives and systemic practices in law enforcement.

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