Sarah Schielke: A Tenacious Advocate Reshaping Civil Rights Law in Colorado
Sarah Schielke’s ascent in civil rights law is a testament to her tenacity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s journey to becoming one of Colorado’s most formidable attorneys began with academic excellence. She graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology before attending Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship, where she served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
After law school, Schielke boldly moved to Colorado, where she established her criminal defense and civil rights law practice. Her unconventional approach and relentless pursuit of justice have earned her numerous accolades and record-breaking settlements for her clients.
In 2023, Schielke’s impact on the legal landscape was recognized when she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country,” highlighting Schielke’s significant contributions to the civil rights field.
Schielke’s work has been marked by high-profile cases that have secured justice for her clients and prompted broader discussions about police accountability. In 2021, she obtained a record-breaking $3,000,000 settlement in the internationally publicized case of Karen Garner v. City of Loveland. This case brought attention to police misconduct and the treatment of elderly individuals with dementia.
Building on this success, Schielke secured another groundbreaking settlement just a year later. In the police tasing case of Michael Clark v. Idaho Springs, she obtained a $7,000,000 settlement, further cementing her reputation as a formidable advocate for civil rights.
Schielke’s expertise extends beyond civil rights litigation. From 2018 to now, she has been repeatedly recognized as a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense. Her knowledge in this area is so highly regarded that her material on Winning Marijuana DUIs has been published in the Texas DWI Manual.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Schielke received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” in 2021—the organization’s highest honor. This award acknowledged her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her significant impact on civil rights and DUI defense.
Schielke’s influence in the legal community is further evidenced by her role as President of the National DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), where she serves on the Executive Committee. She is a sought-after speaker, regularly lecturing across the country on marijuana, alcohol, and drug DUI defense strategies.
Her legal acumen and strategic approach to cases set Schielke apart. She has pioneered the use of body camera footage releases to bring public attention to instances of police misconduct. This tactic has proven highly effective, often resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
Schielke’s work goes beyond individual cases; she is actively reshaping the landscape of civil rights law and police accountability. Her cases have led to internal investigations, policy changes, and increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices.
Despite her professional success, Schielke balances her demanding career and personal life. She is married and a mother to three children, demonstrating that excelling in a challenging field while nurturing a family is possible.
Sarah Schielke’s career is a powerful example of how dedication, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to justice can drive significant change. From her early days posting legal services on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Schielke has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what’s possible in her field.
As she continues to take on high-profile cases and challenge systemic issues within law enforcement, Schielke remains a beacon of hope for those seeking justice. Her work secures significant victories for her clients. It contributes to the broader conversation about civil rights and police reform in America. Sarah Schielke stands as an inspiring figure in the legal community, proving that with courage, determination, and innovative thinking, it’s possible to effect meaningful change in the pursuit of justice.
Sarah Schielke’s ascent in civil rights law is a testament to her tenacity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Schielke’s journey to becoming one of Colorado’s most formidable attorneys began with academic excellence. She graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Psychology before attending Boston University School of Law on a full academic merit scholarship, where she served as the Managing Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
After law school, Schielke boldly moved to Colorado, where she established her criminal defense and civil rights law practice. Her unconventional approach and relentless pursuit of justice have earned her numerous accolades and record-breaking settlements for her clients.
In 2023, Schielke’s impact on the legal landscape was recognized when she was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates “strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country,” highlighting Schielke’s significant contributions to the civil rights field.
Schielke’s work has been marked by high-profile cases that have secured justice for her clients and prompted broader discussions about police accountability. In 2021, she obtained a record-breaking $3,000,000 settlement in the internationally publicized case of Karen Garner v. City of Loveland. This case brought attention to police misconduct and the treatment of elderly individuals with dementia.
Building on this success, Schielke secured another groundbreaking settlement just a year later. In the police tasing case of Michael Clark v. Idaho Springs, she obtained a $7,000,000 settlement, further cementing her reputation as a formidable advocate for civil rights.
Schielke’s expertise extends beyond civil rights litigation. From 2018 to now, she has been repeatedly recognized as a Rising Stars SuperLawyer for DUI Defense. Her knowledge in this area is so highly regarded that her material on Winning Marijuana DUIs has been published in the Texas DWI Manual.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Schielke received DUIDLA’s “Badass Award” in 2021—the organization’s highest honor. This award acknowledged her work on two United States Supreme Court case amicus briefs and her significant impact on civil rights and DUI defense.
Schielke’s influence in the legal community is further evidenced by her role as President of the National DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), where she serves on the Executive Committee. She is a sought-after speaker, regularly lecturing across the country on marijuana, alcohol, and drug DUI defense strategies.
Her legal acumen and strategic approach to cases set Schielke apart. She has pioneered the use of body camera footage releases to bring public attention to instances of police misconduct. This tactic has proven highly effective, often resulting in settlements exceeding typical amounts for similar cases.
Schielke’s work goes beyond individual cases; she is actively reshaping the landscape of civil rights law and police accountability. Her cases have led to internal investigations, policy changes, and increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices.
Despite her professional success, Schielke balances her demanding career and personal life. She is married and a mother to three children, demonstrating that excelling in a challenging field while nurturing a family is possible.
Sarah Schielke’s career is a powerful example of how dedication, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to justice can drive significant change. From her early days posting legal services on Craigslist to becoming a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Schielke has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what’s possible in her field.
As she continues to take on high-profile cases and challenge systemic issues within law enforcement, Schielke remains a beacon of hope for those seeking justice. Her work secures significant victories for her clients. It contributes to the broader conversation about civil rights and police reform in America. Sarah Schielke stands as an inspiring figure in the legal community, proving that with courage, determination, and innovative thinking, it’s possible to effect meaningful change in the pursuit of justice.
