LOVELAND, Colo. (AP) – Loveland lawyer Sarah Schielke has received a public censure from the Colorado Supreme Court presiding disciplinary judge as a result of an incident that occurred two years ago. The ruling, which was approved on January 26 by Presiding Disciplinary Judge Bryan Large, came after Schielke’s close friend and client allegedly suffered injuries and emotional trauma.
A public censure is a published reprimand that acknowledges a lawyer’s actions as grounds for disciplinary action, but does not prevent them from continuing to practice law, according to the terminology of the Colorado Supreme Court.
Schielke has previously gained local attention for her involvement in various cases, many of which targeted the Loveland Police Department or Fort Collins Police Services. These cases include wrongful DUI lawsuits against both departments, an excessive use of force case against the LPD, and the Karen Garner case, which resulted in the resignation of three officers, two of whom faced criminal charges, as well as a $3 million settlement.
The censure stems from Schielke’s representation of her close friend in a personal injury claim against Vince DiMichele. The incident allegedly took place at a Phish concert in Mexico in early 2022. DiMichele, an attorney according to court documents, was accused of getting naked during the concert and forcefully pushing crowd members, including Schielke’s friend. DiMichele is currently listed as a regulatory analyst for Canna Advisors.
According to court documents, Schielke and the victim had a pre-existing friendship, and the victim had undergone spinal surgery before the incident. Following the alleged incident, DiMichele openly boasted online about being the “naked guy” at the concert, causing distress to the victim.
Schielke proceeded to send a demand letter to DiMichele and his parents, although court documents do not explain why the parents were included. The letter contained language deemed unprofessional and demeaning, including derogatory descriptions of DiMichele. Schielke demanded a payment of $50,000 and a commitment from DiMichele to never contact her client again or approach her within 25 feet at future Phish concerts.
Documents show that DiMichele and his parents felt alarmed and threatened by the letter, and sought counseling as a result. However, DiMichele did not agree to Schielke’s demands, and no lawsuit was filed. Schielke discontinued her representation of her friend soon after the demand letter was sent.
As a result of her conduct, Judge Large concluded that Schielke’s actions warranted disciplinary action. The ruling stated that Schielke had violated two rules of professional conduct, including one that prohibits lawyers from using means that cause embarrassment or burden to a third party, and another that prohibits lawyers from threatening charges to gain an advantage in a civil matter.
Schielke expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging their inappropriateness and recognizing that her personal relationship with the client influenced her behavior. In response, Judge Large issued a public censure on Schielke, along with a requirement to pay a $224 administrative fee.
When contacted for comment, Schielke emphasized the harm caused by DiMichele’s alleged actions, stating that he had trampled and injured her close friend at the concert. She also mentioned his online boasting about the incident, which further added to the distress experienced by the victim. Schielke admitted that including derogatory language about DiMichele in the demand letter was a mistake and recognized the need for objectivity when representing a close friend.
DiMichele declined to comment on the matter. No criminal charges were found against him, and there is no current litigation between him and the alleged victim, according to court records.