Sarah Schielke: Rising Star in Colorado’s Fight for Civil Rights and Justice

Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney in Colorado is a story of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. A graduate of Middlebury College and the Boston University School of Law, Schielke’s legal career began unconventionally, with her offering discounted services on Craigslist after moving to Colorado. This unique start gave her valuable experience and set the stage for her future endeavors.

In 2012, Schielke founded the Life and Liberty Law Office, which focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her groundbreaking approach to civil rights cases involves sharing body camera footage with the public and has proven to be a powerful tool in seeking justice for her clients. This strategy has brought national attention to her cases. It has resulted in record-breaking settlements, such as the $3 million settlement in the Karen Garner v. City of Loveland case in 2021 and the $7 million settlement in the Michael Clark v. Idaho Springs police tasing case in 2022.

Schielke’s tireless efforts and significant impact on the civil rights field have earned her numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, recognizing her as a champion of change in her community and across the country. Her work has prompted internal and external reviews of police departments, leading to criminal charges against officers and systemic changes within law enforcement agencies.

In addition to her civil rights work, Schielke has made substantial contributions to the DUI defense field. Since 2018, she has consistently been named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and serves as the president of the National DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA). In 2021, she received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her overall impact on DUI defense.

Most recently, Schielke has filed five lawsuits against the Fort Collins Police Services and former officer Jason Haferman, alleging a pattern of wrongful DUI arrests. The lawsuits claim that Haferman wrongfully arrested more than 17 individuals in one year despite blood tests showing no alcohol present in their systems. Schielke’s determination to hold law enforcement accountable and seek justice for those wrongfully accused underscores her unwavering commitment to her clients and the pursuit of justice.

Schielke’s personal life has not been without challenges. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career was a defining moment that shaped her perspective on life and the law. She believes everyone is inherently good, but some are simply good people in pain, acting out due to their suffering. This understanding has undoubtedly influenced her approach to her clients and her work.

Despite her obstacles, Schielke remains dedicated to effecting change from within the legal system. She surrounds herself with a team of intelligent, strong women and strives to create a more just and equitable society. Her advice to her younger self is to embrace the transformative power of loss and suffering, recognizing that these experiences have shaped her into the formidable attorney and advocate she is today.

As Sarah Schielke continues to make her mark on Colorado’s legal landscape, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring attorneys and advocates for change. Her courage, determination, and innovative spirit have firmly established her as a rising star in the fight for civil rights and justice. With each groundbreaking case and record-breaking settlement, Schielke proves that one person can make a significant difference in the lives of many, and her impact on the legal community will be felt for years to come.