Sarah Schielke, a dedicated civil rights attorney and the founder of the Life and Liberty Law Office in Colorado, has made significant strides in the fight against police misconduct and wrongful arrests. Her unique approach to civil rights litigation and unwavering commitment to her clients has led to groundbreaking settlements and policy changes within law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude. Her academic excellence continued at Boston University School of Law, where she studied on a full merit scholarship and served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review. After completing her education, Schielke relocated to Colorado, determined to make a difference in the lives of those whose rights had been violated.
Schielke’s journey as a civil rights attorney began unconventionally. Struggling to find work in her new home state, she resorted to posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This bold move allowed her to gain valuable experience and build a reputation as a fearless advocate for justice.
Throughout her career, Schielke has taken on numerous high-profile police misconduct cases. In the case of Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who Loveland police officers violently arrested, Schielke’s decision to release the body camera footage to the public proved pivotal. The national attention the case garnered led to criminal charges against the officers involved and a $3 million settlement for the Garner family, underscoring the power of Schielke’s strategy.
Schielke’s tenacity and commitment to justice were further exemplified in the case of Harris Elias, who was wrongfully arrested for DUI by the Fort Collins Police Department despite negative breathalyzer and blood tests. This case marked the second time Elias had been wrongfully arrested for DUI, highlighting the systemic issues within law enforcement that Schielke tirelessly works to address.
In another groundbreaking case, Schielke secured a $7 million settlement for Michael Clark, who Idaho Springs police officers brutally tased in his own home. This record-breaking settlement provided justice for her client and sent a powerful message about the consequences of police misconduct.
Schielke’s impact on Colorado’s civil rights landscape has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, recognizing her tireless efforts to champion change in her field. Her new office building, funded by the settlements she has won against police departments, is a testament to her success and dedication to her clients.
As Schielke continues to take on challenging cases and expose injustice within law enforcement, her influence on Colorado’s legal system grows. Her background in psychology, passion for learning, and unwavering commitment to justice have made her a formidable force in the fight for civil rights.
For the countless individuals whose lives have been impacted by police misconduct, Sarah Schielke represents a beacon of hope. Her tireless work in exposing injustice and securing justice for her clients has made an indelible mark on the civil rights landscape in Colorado and beyond. As she continues championing the cause of justice, Schielke’s impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations.