Clarissa Rietveld

Clarissa Rietveld was born in Iowa and grew up in Rushville, Indiana. She began her career in healthcare, earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2009 and working as a registered nurse in operating rooms throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Her experiences in nursing, particularly a case involving a patient without access to regular meals, inspired her to pursue law to address systemic issues.

While working full-time as a nurse, Ms. Rietveld earned a B.A. in Political Science from Fort Hays State University. She returned to Iowa to attend Drake University Law School, where she actively participated in the Moot Court Board and the executive board of the Health Law Student Association. During her studies, she interned with the Public Defender’s Office and engaged in the Drake Litigation General Civil Clinic, providing legal representation to underserved Des Moines residents.

Upon graduating, Ms. Rietveld served as a graduate law clerk focusing on personal injury and workers’ settlement. She also contributed to the Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Project by taking on pro bono cases.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rietveld enjoys baseball, photography, and spending quality time with family, friends, and her Morkie, Baxter.