Sarah Schielke’s journey in the legal world is a testament to determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s path to becoming a prominent civil rights attorney was anything but conventional.

Schielke’s academic career was marked by excellence from the start. She graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in Vermont with a B.A. in Psychology, laying the groundwork for her future in law. Her intellectual prowess earned her a full academic merit scholarship to the Boston University School of Law, where she further distinguished herself as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.

Schielke made a bold move that would define her professional trajectory after law school. She packed her belongings, gathered her dogs, and headed west to Colorado. Here, she took the unconventional step of opening her own criminal defense and civil rights law practice. This decision would prove pivotal in shaping her career and impact the legal landscape.

Schielke’s approach to civil rights cases has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Her strategy of publicly releasing body camera footage from her clients’ cases has not only brought national attention to instances of police misconduct but has also resulted in record-breaking settlements for her clients.

One of her most high-profile cases involved Karen Garner, a woman with dementia who suffered injuries during an arrest by Loveland police in 2020. Schielke’s release of the body camera footage in 2021 catapulted the case into the national spotlight, leading to internal and external reviews of the incident and the department. The case concluded with a $3 million settlement exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.

Building on this success, Schielke secured another landmark victory in 2022 with a record-breaking $7 million settlement against the Idaho Springs Police Department. This case involved a brutal tasing attack on her client in his own home, further cementing Schielke’s reputation as a formidable advocate for civil rights.

Schielke’s impact extends beyond individual cases. Her work has contributed to broader systemic changes, prompting investigations into police conduct and leading to criminal charges against officers involved in misconduct. In the Garner case, two officers faced criminal charges, with one sentenced to five years in prison and another to 45 days in jail, followed by probation.

Recognition for Schielke’s groundbreaking work has come from various quarters. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, an award celebrating “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country.” This honor specifically acknowledged her significant contributions to the civil rights field.

Schielke’s expertise is more comprehensive than civil rights litigation. She has made substantial contributions to DUI defense strategy, regularly lecturing and presenting across the country on marijuana, alcohol, and drug DUI defense tactics. Her material on “Winning Marijuana DUIs” has been published in the Texas DWI Manual, showcasing her influence beyond Colorado’s borders.

The legal community has noted Schielke’s exceptional work. In 2021, she received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award,” the organization’s highest honor, for her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her impact in both civil rights and DUI defense fields. Additionally, she has consistently been named a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense from 2018 to the present.

Schielke’s leadership extends to professional organizations as well. She serves on the Executive Committee and as President of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), further solidifying her status as a respected figure in the legal community.

Despite her numerous professional accomplishments, Schielke lives outside the courtroom. She is married with three children and is a devoted dog owner, showcasing her ability to balance a demanding career with personal commitments.

Sarah Schielke’s career is an inspiring example of how determination, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to justice can lead to significant change. Her unconventional path and groundbreaking strategies have secured justice for her clients and contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and civil rights. As she continues her work, Schielke remains a powerful force in shaping the landscape of civil rights litigation in America, challenging the status quo and fighting for those the system has wronged.