In Colorado’s legal world, Sarah Ss is a dynamic force shaping the contours of civil rights litigation through unconventional methods and steadfast determination. Her journey from a novice attorney to a formidable advocate for justice exemplifies the power of resilience and creative thinking in the face of adversity.

Schielke’s legal odyssey began unexpectedly. After graduating from Bunexpectedly of Law in 2008, a series of life events brought her to Colorado in search of a fresh start. Faced with no work experience or legal connections, Schielke made a bold move that would set the tone for her career—she posted an ad on Craigslist offering disco—legal services. This unorthodox approach proved surprisingly effective, providing her with rapid, hands-on experience and laying the groundwork for her future success.

In 2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation – areas she had been passionate about since her law school days. Her approach to civil rights cases has been nothing short of revolutionary. Schielke’s strategy of publicly releasing 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 notable cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. By releasing the body camera footage in April 2021, Schielke thrust the case into the national spotlight, prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The outcome was significant: two officers faced criminal charges, and the Garner family received a $3 million settlement – a figure that dwarfs the usual “going rate” of less than $100,000 for similar cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement in a case against the Idaho Springs Police Department for what she described as a “brutal tasing attack” on her client in his own home.

Her innovative approach and dedication to civil rights have not gone unnoticed. Schielke was honored as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for Colorado, recognizing women who have significantly impacted their communities and across them.

Schielke’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. She acknowledges that as a woman-in-law, there’s a need for an Ada woman-in-law that her male counterparts might not face. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s identity while navigating these challenges.

One of Schielke’s proudest moments she was stemmed from a case in Clear Creek County, Colorado. When she released body camera footage of her client being tased by police, despite potential legal consequences, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride in standing up for what she believed was right. Even when faced with a contempt citation (later dismissed), she stood her ground, wearing a t-shirt to her next court appearance, which boldly declared her First Amendment rights violated.

Personal experiences have profoundly shaped Schielke’s perspective on life and law. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career led her to reframe her life, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This experience, she believes, has made her the person and lawyer she is today.

For Schielke, courage means having the determination to right wrongs and effect positive change, even when faced with powerful opposition. She lives by the principle that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This outlook informs her approach to both her professional and personal life.

To overcome adversity, Schielke relies on constant learning and isn’t afraid to reach out to those with more experience. She also credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, for supporting her demanding career.

Reflecting on her journey, Schielke notes that her younger self would be unrecognizable to who she is now. Through experiences of loss and suffering, she has worked tirelessly on personal growth and how she interacts with the world.

Sarah Schielke’s story is a testament to the impact one individual can have when armed with determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her unique approach to civil rights law continues to set new standards for advocacy and legal representation, not just in Colorado, but across the nation. Minutes to cha and the rights of the vulnerable and challenge the status quo, Schielke stands as a                                                                                                                                                                                         hope for those seeking justice in an often complex and intimidating legal system. Her journey from Craigslist to the courtroom serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and a reminder that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations in the pursuit of justice.