Sarah Schielke: From Craigslist Lawyer to Civil Rights Champion in Colorado

Sarah Schielke’s path to becoming one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year began unconventionally – with a Craigslist ad in 2010. After graduating from Boston University School of Law and making “a series of bad life decisions in her 20s,” Schielke moved to Colorado seeking a fresh start. With no connections or experience, she took the bold step of offering legal services for free or nearly free on Craigslist, being transparent with potential clients that she was learning along the way.

This unorthodox approach proved successful, as she quickly gained valuable experience. By 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her independent streak – never working under another attorney – allowed her to develop innovative strategies, particularly in civil rights cases.

Schielke’s breakthrough came through her unique approach of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases. This strategy proved particularly powerful in the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during a 2020 arrest by Loveland police officers. The release of this footage in 2021 sparked national attention and led to criminal charges against two officers. Austin Hopp received a five-year prison sentence, while Daria Jalali was sentenced to 45 days and three years of probation. The case resulted in a $3 million settlement, far exceeding the typical settlement of less than $100,000 for similar cases.

Her success continued with a record-breaking $7 million settlement in 2022 for a client who was subjected to a “brutal tasing attack” by Idaho Springs police officers in his own home. This case highlighted her willingness to stand up to authority, even when faced with potential contempt charges for releasing body camera footage.

Personal tragedy has shaped Schielke’s approach to law and life. Her father passed away from cancer at 59, shortly after watching her first trial – which she lost. This loss led her to develop a perspective of gratitude and forgiveness, transforming her outlook on life and her legal practice.

Her definition of courage revolves around taking action to right wrongs, especially when faced with powerful opposition. She maintains a unique perspective on human nature, believing there are only two types of people: “good people and good people in pain.” This philosophy influences her approach to both her legal work and personal interactions.

More recently, Schielke has taken on new challenges, filing five lawsuits against Fort Collins Police Services for alleged wrongful DUI arrests by a former officer. The cases highlight her continued commitment to holding law enforcement accountable and protecting civil rights.

Throughout her career, Schielke has emphasized the importance of constant learning and adaptation, particularly as a woman in the legal field. She acknowledges the additional challenges strong women face in reaching professional success, noting the delicate balance of adapting without losing oneself.

Her family structure supports her success, with her husband serving as a stay-at-home dad to their children. This arrangement has allowed her to focus on her demanding civil rights practice and continue her mission of systemic change within the legal system.

From her early days of offering discount legal services on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Schielke’s journey exemplifies her advice to “keep loving to learn.” Her work has secured justice and record-breaking settlements for her clients and helped reshape accountability in law enforcement throughout Colorado.

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