By Emma Dylan
Sarah Schielke’s journey to becoming a renowned civil rights attorney in Colorado is a testament to her tenacity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s path to success began with her education at Middlebury College, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology. She then earned her law degree from the Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship, serving as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
Upon moving to Colorado, Schielke embarked on an unconventional path, initially offering discounted legal services on Craigslist. This unique approach gave her valuable experience and laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2012, she established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation.
Schielke’s innovative strategy of sharing body camera footage from her clients’ cases with the public has proven to be a game-changer in the legal field. This approach has not only brought attention to the injustices faced by her clients but has also resulted in record-breaking settlements. In 2021, she obtained a $3 million settlement in the highly publicized case of Karen Garner v. City of Loveland, and just a year later, she secured a $7 million settlement in the police tasing case of Michael Clark v. Idaho Springs.
Schielke’s tireless efforts and significant impact on the civil rights field have not gone unnoticed. 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.
Beyond her civil rights work, Schielke has made substantial contributions to the DUI defense field. Since 2018, she has been repeatedly named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense and currently serves as the President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA). In 2021, she received DUIDLA’s prestigious “Badass Award” for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her overall impact on DUI defense.
Recently, Schielke has taken on another challenge by filing 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.
Throughout her career, Schielke has faced personal challenges, including the loss of her father to cancer early in her legal journey. However, she has used these experiences to fuel her passion for justice and to develop a unique perspective on the human condition. She believes everyone is inherently good, but some are simply good people in pain, acting out due to their suffering.
As Sarah Schielke continues to make waves in Colorado’s legal arena, 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 formidable force in the fight for justice. With each groundbreaking case and record-breaking settlement, Schielke demonstrates the power of one individual to effect change and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
