Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s academic prowess was evident. She graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in Vermont with a B.A. in Psychology before attending Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship. There, she distinguished herself as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.

After law school, Schielke made a bold move that would set the tone for her career. Packing up her belongings and her dogs, she relocated to Colorado to start her criminal defense and civil rights law practice. Without first working under another attorney, this decision to strike out on her own allowed Schielke to forge her unique approach to law, particularly in civil rights cases.

Schielke’s innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public has proven remarkably effective. This approach has drawn attention to instances of injustice and resulted in settlements far exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

A prime example of Schielke’s impact is the Karen Garner case. In 2021, Schielke obtained a record-breaking $3 million settlement in this internationally publicized case against the City of Loveland. The case involved the violent arrest of Garner, a woman with dementia, by Loveland police officers. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage brought national attention to the incident, leading to criminal charges against two officers and prompting internal and external reviews of the police department.

Building on this success, Schielke secured another landmark victory in 2022. She obtained a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving her client in his own home. These high-profile cases have solidified Schielke’s reputation as a formidable advocate for civil rights.

Schielke’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, an award recognizing “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country” for her work in the civil rights field. This recognition highlights Schielke’s significant impact and her role in pushing for broader systemic changes in the legal system.

Beyond her civil rights work, Schielke has also made a name for herself in DUI defense. From 2018 to the present, she has been repeatedly named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense. Her expertise in this area is widely recognized, and she regularly lectures and presents across the country on marijuana, alcohol, and drug DUI defense strategies. Her material on Winning Marijuana DUIs has even been published in the Texas DWI Manual.

Schielke’s contributions to the legal field extend beyond her casework. She serves on the Executive Committee and as President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA). In 2021, she received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” – the organization’s highest honor – for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact in the civil rights and DUI defense fields.

Schielke has demonstrated a commitment to constant learning and growth throughout her career. She approaches each case with determination, empathy, and strategic thinking. Her unique perspective on human nature – that there are fundamentally two types of people: good people and good people in pain – informs her approach to her legal work and interactions with clients and opponents alike.

Sarah Schielke’s journey from law school graduate to trailblazing civil rights attorney is a testament to her determination, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to civil rights cases, coupled with her expertise in DUI defense, has not only brought about significant changes in individual cases but also challenged the status quo in the legal system.

As Schielke continues to make waves in the legal world, she inspires other attorneys, particularly women in the legal profession. Her story demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take unconventional paths, it’s possible to make a significant impact in pursuing justice. Sarah Schielke’s legacy in Colorado’s legal landscape is courage, innovation, and an unyielding dedication to protecting civil rights and individual liberties.