The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “holistic” as “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.” Not necessarily the first word that pops into mind when you’re facing the daunting task of appearing in court to defend yourself. But take it from seasoned attorney Sarah Schielke: A holistic approach can be a winning one, and Schielke’s clients turn up winners more often than not.
Sarah Schielke is a fighter, a formidable advocate who goes beyond conventional legal practices. Her unique approach challenges systemic issues while providing robust representation for her clients. At the core of her practice is a commitment to holding law enforcement accountable. She firmly believes that “if you’re a police officer, arresting an innocent person should be the most terrifying prospect and the most catastrophic outcome you could ever be responsible for.” This philosophy drives her to scrutinize police work, particularly in DUI cases.
Schielke’s efforts extend to addressing the questionable practice of incentives within the legal system. She points out, “There’s agencies getting money, there’s officers getting awards, there’s all of these perverse incentives that are set up to arrest people without caring whether or not they turn out to be innocent.” By highlighting these issues, Sarah Schielke aims to reform the system from within.
DUI Defense as a Civil Rights Battleground
Where does this holistic battle begin? Schielke views DUI defense as a crucial front in the ongoing fight for civil rights. She argues that it’s “the front line of where our civil rights start to become eroded because judges, prosecutors, and cops believe, rightfully, that drunk driving is this horrific offense with lots of stigma that needs to be stopped.” This perspective allows her to address broader constitutional issues through her DUI defense work.
Her strategy is particularly significant for vulnerable populations. Schielke notes, “Most of the people who are getting sucked in and abused by this awards-for-more-DUI-arrests type of broken system are just people who are different. People who are disabled, people who are elderly, people who have mental health issues.” By defending these individuals, she protects not only her clients; she also protects the civil liberties of all citizens.
Change often can’t even begin before one brave soul takes that first daunting step — one that Schielke makes with confidence. In fact, her work has inspired other attorneys. She regularly receives messages from colleagues and other attorneys thanking her for her advocacy and letting her know that they were able to use her complaints as templates for filing their own clients’ wrongful DUI arrest civil lawsuits. “You will never hear me complain about another attorney copying my work,” Schielke says. “Every time another one of us joins the fight against this particular type of abuse of governmental power, when any attorney has the courage to take this difficult type of case on for the first time, we lift each other up, we all get stronger, and everyone wins.” By sharing her methods, Schielke is elevating the entire field of civil rights and DUI defense. She notes, “my reasoning on this is simple: there is no downside to more governmental accountability.”
Sarah Schielke: Challenging Misconceptions About Legal Settlements
In the internet age, it can sometimes seem like misinformation spreads faster than a wildfire and unearthing the truth can be intimidatingly tricky. That’s why Schielke is also working to dispel myths about legal settlements, particularly the idea that taxpayers bear this financial burden. She emphasizes, “The taxpayers are never paying for it. Insurance pays for it. This “the taxpayers have to pay for it” narrative has been permitted to circulate for so long that it’s now created yet another obstacle to community members being able to provide full justice to their fellow citizens who are harmed by police misconduct.”
Another cornerstone of Schielke’s practice is her rejection of fear-based decision-making. “I don’t do anything fear-based in my practice,” she declares. “I don’t find that that produces good outcomes.” This plan allows her to stand firm in negotiations and pursue the best outcomes.
When it comes to settlement talks, Sarah Schielke is direct: “If the other side wants to make an offer, they want to talk about stuff, I’ll tell them exactly what I think the case is worth.” By keeping clients top of mind, Schielke’s no-nonsense attitude cuts through the usual legal maneuvering and focuses on achieving justice.
Remember that Merriam-Webster definition? Sarah Schielke’s holistic approach to client advocacy extends far beyond the courtroom. By challenging systemic issues, innovating legal strategies, dispelling misconceptions, and practicing fear-free advocacy, she’s not just serving her clients; she’s also striving to reform the legal system itself. Her work demonstrates that effective legal representation can be a powerful tool for social change, protecting civil rights one case at a time.