Rachel M. Self

PRO

Rachel M. Self

5.0
131 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Immigration Lawyer at Boston, MA
Practice Areas: Immigration, Criminal Defense

6 Beacon Street, Suite 825, Boston, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Rachel

Biography

Located in downtown Boston, I specialize in criminal defense and immigration law.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Arraignment and bail hearings Post conviction relief Narcotics Violations Money Laundering Theft Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Assault & Battery Alien Smuggling Illegal re-entry after deportation Juvenile Criminal Defense Driving under the influence

50%
Immigration 50%

The firm specializes in all aspects of immigration law and dedicates itself to honest and communicative representation while providing you with all possible resolutions for your immigration problem.

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2022
...
+ 11

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 21 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Rachel M. Self, P.C.

6 Beacon Street, Suite 825, Boston, MA, 02108

attorneyself.com

Rachel M. Self's Reviews

Showing 66 - 70 of 130 reviews

Posted by Yujiao | July 12, 2017 | Immigration

Very professional and compassionate lawyer

Attorney Self is the best immigration lawyer in Boston. I've consulted a handful of immigration lawyers, Rachel is the only one who gave me clear answers, unlike some of other lawyers who were trying to make the case more complicated or to scare me. She is very compassionate, and patiently answered a...ll my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend Attorney Self if you are looking for the best immigration lawyer in Boston area. I will continue working with her on my immigration case in the future.

Posted by anonymous | July 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Very professional work

Rachel Self, The best lawyer you can find in Massachusetts. Rachel is the attorney that tells you everything before you give your case to her, unlike other attorneys that want to take your case and money and get denied. I became a US citizen in 2011. I wanted to apply for permanent residence for... my wife. I went to so many lawyers in four years. I went all the way down to Washington D.C. to find a good lawyer that can get a Green Card for my wife. But they wanted to charge me lots of money and send my wife back to her country and get a Green card there. I could not do that because I have two kids and I have multiple businesses. Finally, I went to Rachel in 2015. And She finds that my wife is eligible to get her green card in the US without leaving. Rachel Started the process in 2015. We did run into some problems in the process because my wife's case was little complicated. That's when Rachel showed her skill and professionalism. My wife got her Green Card in 2017. Her work is very very professional. She was available anytime I needed help to gather documents. She put up good arguments. She was very good at the interview. Thank you to Rachel and her staff, she kept my family together.

Posted by Asok | July 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

A Big Help to obtain a US Citizenship

Rachel Self is a wonderful attorney and is very easy to work with. She is very knowledgeable about immigration law and explained the process of applying for a citizenship very well. She helped my son fill out the application and prepare for the interview. I'm glad to say that my son became a US citiz...en last Thursday and all of my family would like to thank Rachel Self for that.

Posted by Joe | June 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

There are no words to thank Rachel

I thank god every day that we found Rachel Self. She saved my family's life. If you are ever wrongfully accused of a crime and you need someone who will fight for you, you need Rachel. This was a very grave and serious situation and when we first met with Rachel we knew in our hearts she was the o...ne who would help find the light. My family member was accused of the worst crimes you could be accused of, and no where to turn, we found her. She never judged us. She believed in us. She fought for my family member in a way I had never seen before except for in the movies. She was so prepared, so compassionate and so kind. You could tell that she really cared. She was also amazing with the law. She was right there with us every step of the way and in the end justice was done. This was the worst experience of our lives. The police never even tried to get to the truth and the system was steam-rolling my family member. But thanks to Rachel, the jury listened. We are finally free from the nightmare now. She argues with passion and heart and is very dynamic. You know she believes in her work. She stood up to the judge. She stood up to the police. We could not have asked for better. She was our voice. Thanks to Rachel, we are able to begin pick up the pieces and finally start putting this horrible experience behind us. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict on all counts. There is no way to put into words what she did for us, but we wanted to try. God Bless Rachel! We will be grateful to her every single day of our lives.

Posted by Jacqueline | June 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Responsive & Professional

Our family hired Rachel Self on recommendation from another satisfied client. I always look to work with professionals I know who have helped others. When we met for our consult, she took the time to make me feel comfortable, explaining the process she would use, and how we would move forward. When s...he says you can call/text in the middle of the night or weekends she means it! I have never seen a lawyer respond so fast...she truly put my mind at ease. Rachel was in constant communication and I never had to wonder what was happening as she was always apprising me of any changes or developments. She is also very persistent and moves quickly to get things done. Her rates are more than fair especially for the work she puts into your case. If you are still looking for an attorney look no further and hire Ms. Self. You will not be disappointed.

See All Client Reviews

Rachel M. Self's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Rachel
Melanie Shapiro headshot
Melanie Shapiro

Immigration lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rachel is an exceptional lawyer and human being. Rachel is not only very smart but also compassionate. She does not hesitate to take charge of a situation. For instance, when Governor DeSantis sent immigrants on a plane to Martha's Vineyard, Rachel stepped up and took charge, organizing legal efforts. She is one of the few attorneys I'd trust referring a client to."

Jeffrey M. Miller headshot
Jeffrey Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Self does and excellent job defending her clients in criminal defense cases. Over the years, i have seen Attorney Self achieve great results for her clients. I endorse her for criminal defense matters."

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said, Rachel is a great criminal defense lawyer."

Jennifer Wallace Marcus headshot
Jennifer Marcus

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Rachel is extremely knowledgeable, tenacious and incredibly hard working. You would be very lucky to have her in your corner."

Christopher B. Coughlin headshot
Christopher Coughlin

Immigration lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rachel is an excellent lawyer and even better person. I endorse this lawyer."

Seena A. Pidani headshot
Seena Pidani

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Rachel M. Self is a remarkably effective trial attorney. Her contributions to the fields of Immigration and Criminal Defense are surpassed only by her commitment to her clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Claudia Lagos headshot
Claudia Lagos

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stefanie Fisher headshot
Stefanie Fisher

Immigration lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

J. Denise Carter headshot
J. Denise Carter

Immigration lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.very well respected advocate in the legal community"

Paul Christopher Hannaford headshot
Paul Hannaford

Immigration lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have listened to Attorney Self speak at various events and she is an extremely knowledgeable and well versed attorney. I strongly endorse her."

Courtney C. Linnehan headshot
Courtney Linnehan

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Randall Drew headshot
Randall Drew

Immigration lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Rachel and I have worked together on immigration matters in the past involving issues in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She knows how to work under pressure and still interact with clients, judges and other lawyers with professionalism and care. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael L. Tumposky headshot
Michael Tumposky

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Roa headshot
William Roa

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Haven headshot
Michael Haven

Unknown lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

R. Scott Oswald headshot
R. Scott Oswald

Immigration lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Rachel Self co-counseled with me on many matters. Her responsiveness, creativity, and work product is of the highest caliber. Rachel is truly an exceptional lawyer."

Leonard Eugene Milligan III headshot
Leonard Milligan

Immigration lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Michael J. Bace headshot
Michael Bace

Immigration lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Keith Durden headshot
Keith Durden

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Vikas S. Dhar headshot
Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Holly B. Smith headshot
Holly Smith

Child support lawyer

Christopher B. Coughlin headshot
Christopher Coughlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Seena A. Pidani headshot
Seena Pidani

Litigation lawyer

Michael Haven headshot
Michael Haven

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael L. Tumposky headshot
Michael Tumposky

Criminal defense lawyer

R. Scott Oswald headshot
R. Scott Oswald

Immigration lawyer

Michael J. Bace headshot
Michael Bace

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Leonard Eugene Milligan III headshot
Leonard Milligan

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith Durden headshot
Keith Durden

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Kim headshot
Steven Kim

Criminal defense lawyer

Dmitry Lev headshot
Dmitry Lev

Criminal defense lawyer

William Roa headshot
William Roa

Criminal defense lawyer

Myong J. Joun headshot
Myong Joun

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Best Lawyer in Immigration Law, Best Attorneys in America

2025

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Best Lawyer in Immigration Law, Best Lawyers in America

2024

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Honorable Mention Bostonian of the Year, Boston Globe

2022

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

SuperLawyer in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2017

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Rising Star in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2016

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Rising Star in Immigration Law, SuperLawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star in Immigration Law, Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Owner, Rachel M. Self, P.C.

Associations

2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2005 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

2005 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

2005 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Motion for New Trial for KL

Victory for KL

Commonwealth v HO

Victory for HO

Commonwealth v. EG

Victory for Mr. G.

Commonwealth v. MO

Victory for Mr. O.

Commonwealth v. HM

Victory for Mr. M.

Commonwealth v. DB

Case Dismissed

Commonwealth v. JM

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. ML

Case dismissed

Commonwealth v. JC

Not Guilty All Counts

Commonwealth v. RV

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. Gina Kindell

New Trial Ordered

Commonwealth v. MP

Not Guilty

DHS v. Lemus

Victory for Mr. Lemus

Commonwealth v. Elliot Rivera

Victory for Mr. Rivera, Motion Granted.

Commonwealth v. Jorge Grullon

Not Guilty

DHS v. Hernandez

Victory for Ms. Hernandez

Souad Belcaid v. Michael Mukasey, et al.

Victory for Ms. Belcaid

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Bentley College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2020

Immigration Basics Plus

Immigration Court Practice

2018

Crimmingration 101 Crimmigration 101

2016

Crimmigration 101 Crimmigration Breaking News

2016

Crimmigration 101 AILA's Crimmigration

2015

What Every Practitioner Needs to Know Categorical Approach to Crimes in Immigration Proceedings

2015

Immigration Basics Plus Immigration Court Practice

2014

How to get Citizenship without Getting Deported Pitfalls for the Unwary

2014

Crimmigration 101 Crimmigration

2013

Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts

How to Do A Closing Argument

2013

Immigration Basics Plus Immigration Court Practice

2013

Immigration 101

Introduction to the Law

2012

Immigration Basics

Removal Proceedings

2011

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Immigration Basics

2011

Judicial Conference

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Conduct

2011

AILA New England Immigration Law Conference

Advanced Immigration Litigation Practice

2011

AILA New England Chapter

From Cuffs to Court - What Happens when ICE Detains Your Client? - Presenter

2010

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Immigration Basics

2010

AILA New England Immigration Law Conference

Advanced Issues in Litigation

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution