Sarah Schielke’s journey from a novice lawyer to a formidable civil rights attorney is a testament to her unconventional approach and unwavering commitment to justice. Named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, Schielke has made significant waves in Colorado’s legal landscape, particularly in civil rights and criminal defense.

Schielke’s legal career began with an unusual step. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of what she calls “bad life decisions” led her to Colorado for a fresh start. Faced with no work experience or legal connections, she boldly posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. Her candid admission that she was learning but would do her best resonated with many, allowing her to gain invaluable experience rapidly.

In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her path, unmarked by working under other attorneys, allowed her to forge a unique approach to law. Schielke’s innovative strategy of publicly sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has proven remarkably effective, often resulting in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. By releasing the body camera footage in April 2021, Schielke brought national attention to the case, prompting internal and external reviews. This led to criminal charges against two officers and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family – significantly higher than the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Department for a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home. These victories underscore her effectiveness in leveraging public attention to drive accountability and change.

When asked about her proudest moment, Schielke recounts a case in Clear Creek County where she fought to release body camera footage to vindicate her client. Despite facing potential contempt charges, she stood her ground, embodying her definition of courage: the determination to right wrongs, even when faced with powerful opposition.

Personal tragedy has also shaped Schielke’s outlook. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career prompted her to reframe her life, fostering gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience has profoundly influenced her approach to both her professional and personal life.

Schielke’s guiding principle is rooted in empathy and understanding. She believes there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective allows her to approach even the most challenging situations with compassion, recognizing that everyone is trying their best, even when their actions seem objectionable.

To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and seeking advice from those with more experience. She also credits her success to the support of her husband, who stays at home with their two daughters, enabling her to pursue her demanding career.

Schielke’s advice to her younger self reflects her personal growth and resilience journey. She acknowledges that her younger self is “unrecognizable” to who she is now, attributing her transformation to the hard work she’s done on herself in response to loss and suffering.

Schielke’s impact extends beyond individual cases. Her work has sparked broader discussions about police accountability and justice system reform. Her approach to civil rights cases, combining legal acumen with strategic use of media and public pressure, has set new precedents.

Schielke remains committed to learning and growth as she continues to blaze her trail in the legal world. Her journey from a novice lawyer advertising on Craigslist to a celebrated civil rights attorney inspires aspiring lawyers and advocates for change.

Sarah Schielke’s story is about determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her innovative approaches and courage in the face of powerful opposition have benefited her clients and reshaped the landscape of civil rights advocacy in Colorado. As she moves forward, Schielke exemplifies the power of forging one’s path and standing up for what’s right, even in the face of significant challenges.