Sarah Schielke launched her legal career through an unusual channel – a Craigslist advertisement in 2010. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, she moved to Colorado seeking a fresh start. With remarkable candor, she offered legal services at minimal cost, openly acknowledging to potential clients that she was learning alongside them. This transparent approach unexpectedly flourished, providing her with extensive hands-on experience in the legal field.
This foundation led to the establishment the Life and Liberty Law Office in 2012, where she focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Having never worked under another attorney, Schielke developed her distinctive approach to civil rights cases. Her strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage became a powerful tool in exposing police misconduct and achieving justice for her clients.
Her breakthrough came with the Karen Garner case, involving a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. The release of body camera footage brought national attention to the case, leading to criminal charges against two officers. Austin Hopp received a five-year sentence, while Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days in jail with three years of probation. The case settled for $3 million, surpassing the typical $100,000 settlement for similar cases.
Building on this success, she secured a $7 million settlement with the Idaho Springs Department in a police tasing case. When faced with potential contempt charges for releasing body camera footage, she remained steadfast, even wearing a t-shirt to court that boldly declared her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Currently, she’s challenging systemic issues through five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services, addressing 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 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 loss, led to a transformative perspective on gratitude and forgiveness. This experience influenced her unique philosophy that there are only “good people and 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. As a woman in law, she acknowledges the additional challenges of adapting to the profession 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.
Recognition as USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honoree for Colorado acknowledges her significant impact on civil rights law and community justice. Through 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 commitment to continuous learning and growth. Her approach combines determination with innovative thinking, transforming individual lives and systemic practices in law enforcement.
Her success demonstrates that unconventional methods and unwavering dedication to justice can create meaningful change in the legal system. Through her work, Schielke continues challenging the status quo while maintaining her core principle of constant learning, proving that innovative approaches combined with steadfast determination can transform the legal landscape.
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