Few stories in civil rights law are as compelling as those of Sarah Schielke, a Colorado-based attorney whose unconventional career path and innovative legal strategies have earned her national recognition. Schielke’s journey, marked by determination and a willingness to challenge the status quo, offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a modern-day civil rights advocate.

Schielke’s legal career began in an unlikely place: Craigslist. After graduating from Boston University School of Law in 2008, a series of life decisions brought her to Colorado for a fresh start. With no work experience or legal connections, Schielke boldly posted an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services. This unorthodox approach paid off, providing her with a wealth of experience in a short time.

2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her passion for these areas of law, which had been brewing since her law school days, finally found an outlet. Schielke embraced the steep learning curve, never having worked under another attorney, which allowed her to forge her own path in the legal world.

Schielke’s approach to civil rights cases has been particularly noteworthy. She developed a unique strategy of sharing body camera footage from her client’s cases with the public, which has proven remarkably effective. This approach not only brings national media attention to her cases but also often results in substantially larger settlements for her clients compared to similar cases.

One of Schielke’s most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who was injured during an arrest by Loveland police in June 2020. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in April 2021 brought the case to light, sparking national outrage and prompting internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The case ultimately settled for $3 million, far exceeding the typical settlement amount for similar cases.

Schielke’s success continued in 2022 when she secured a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department for a brutal tasing incident involving one of her clients in his own home. These victories underscore the effectiveness of Schielke’s innovative approach to civil rights litigation.

Despite her successes, Schielke acknowledges the challenges of being a strong woman in a male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of adapting without losing oneself and strives to change the system from within. This philosophy extends to her practice, where she employs other intelligent, muscular women.

Schielke’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to law and life. The loss of her father early in her career led her to reframe her perspective, embracing gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness. This transformative experience has influenced her interactions with clients and her approach to challenging cases.

For Schielke, courage means being determined to address wrongs and improve situations, even when faced opposition from powerful entities. Her guiding principle is the belief that there are two types of people: good people and good people in pain. This perspective informs her approach to her legal practice and personal life.

Schielke’s commitment to justice has not gone unnoticed. She was named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, recognizing her significant impact on civil rights law. This recognition is a testament to Schielke’s dedication and the effectiveness of her unconventional methods.

Schielke has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning and growth throughout her career. She approaches each case as an opportunity to expand her knowledge, reaching out to more experienced colleagues and constantly educating herself on relevant issues.

Schielke’s success is not just a personal triumph; it represents a shift in the landscape of civil rights law. Her willingness to take on powerful institutions and her innovative use of technology to bring cases to public attention has set new standards in the field. As she continues to fight for justice, Schielke inspires aspiring lawyers and is a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in a complex legal system.