Sarah Schielke, a leading civil rights attorney based in Colorado, has made it her mission to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct and wrongful arrests. Through her tireless efforts at the Life and Liberty Law Office, Schielke has secured significant settlements for her clients and brought about meaningful changes in how police departments operate.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s path to becoming a civil rights attorney began at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude. She then studied law at Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship, distinguishing herself as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
Upon moving to Colorado, Schielke faced challenges in establishing her legal career. Undeterred, she took an unconventional approach, posting an ad on Craigslist offering discount legal services to gain experience. This bold move laid the foundation for her future success as a civil rights attorney.
One of Schielke’s most notable cases involved the wrongful arrest of Harris Elias for DUI by the Loveland Police Department. Despite negative breathalyzer and blood tests, Elias was charged with DUI based on an officer’s suspicion after less than 60 seconds of interaction. Schielke’s investigation revealed a department-wide culture that prioritized DUI arrest numbers over individual rights. The case ultimately settled for $400,000, a substantial sum for a wrongful arrest case with no physical injuries or jail time.
Schielke’s commitment to justice extends beyond wrongful arrests. In the case of Andru Kulas, who was pepper-sprayed and arrested after refusing to take a ticket for trespassing, Schielke filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Fort Collins and the officers involved. The charges against Kulas were eventually dismissed, but not before he suffered permanent vision damage due to the pepper spray, highlighting the excessive force often used by law enforcement.
Throughout her career, Schielke has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to exposing injustice and holding law enforcement accountable. Her unique approach, which often involves sharing body camera footage with the public, has proven effective in garnering support for her clients and effecting change within police departments.
Her peers and the wider community have recognized Schielke’s impact on the civil rights landscape in Colorado. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, a testament to her tireless efforts to bring about change in her field. Her new office building, funded by the settlements she has won against police departments, serves as a reminder of her work’s tangible impact on the lives of her clients and the broader fight for civil rights reform.
As Schielke continues to take on challenging cases and fight for the rights of those wronged by law enforcement, her influence continues to grow. Her background in psychology, passion for learning, and unwavering commitment to justice have made her a formidable force in the legal community.
For those who have been victims of police misconduct, Sarah Schielke represents hope and the possibility of justice. Her fearless advocacy and dedication to her clients have made a lasting impact on the civil rights landscape in Colorado, paving the way for a more just and accountable future.
