Sarah Schielke, a Rochester, New York native and Middlebury College and Boston University School of Law graduate, has emerged as a formidable force in Colorado’s legal arena. After moving to Colorado, she began her unconventional journey by offering discounted legal services on Craigslist, a unique approach that provided her with valuable experience and laid the foundation for her future success.
2012, Schielke established the Life and Liberty Law Office, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Her innovative strategy of releasing body camera footage to the public has proven to be a game-changer in her civil rights cases, bringing national attention to her clients’ plights and resulting in record-breaking settlements. Notable examples include 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 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 consistently been 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. This bold move underscores Schielke’s unwavering commitment to holding law enforcement accountable and seeking justice for those wrongfully accused.
Schielke’s personal life has shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for justice. The loss of her father to cancer early in her legal career was a defining moment that influenced her approach to the law and her clients. She believes most people are inherently good, but some are good people in pain, acting out due to their suffering.
As Schielke continues transforming Colorado’s legal landscape, she remains dedicated to effecting change from within. Surrounded by a team of intelligent, strong women, she 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 molded her into the formidable attorney and advocate she is today.
Sarah Schielke’s story inspires aspiring attorneys and advocates for change. Her courage, determination, and innovative spirit have established her as a trailblazer in the fight for justice. With each groundbreaking case and record-breaking settlement, Schielke demonstrates the power of an individual to make a lasting impact on the lives of others and the legal community as a whole. As she continues pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Sarah Schielke’s influence on Colorado’s legal landscape will surely be felt for generations to come.
