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 11 - 15 of 38 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Donald | July 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Expert, considerate, and professional. Representation you can trust

Rachel and her team lead my effort to become a US citizen. From the outset, her deep domain knowledge and expertise in this area was evident. Everything from collecting the relevant data in support of my submission, dossier review and filing, interview preparation and access to resources in advan...ce of the interview were handled in a manner that can only be considered expert. Rachel spent the time to prepare me for the in person interview, walked me through the overall process, and participated with me as my attorney in the face to face interview. Rachel and her supporting team turned what is normally a stressful and difficult process into a straightforward affair with a clear end in mind. Now a US citizen, I can not thank her enough for all her support and would recommend Rachel to anyone looking for representation in this area. Thank you!

Posted by Anna | January 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Rachel was absolutely terrific! Extraordinary professional and very knowledgeable

Me and my husband had a difficult case due to his probation and open case and Rachel did make sure we feel comfortable with the whole process, starting from consultation to the very end with prep interview and the interview itself (it took immigration almost a year and Rachel and her associates alway...s kept in touch with us, letting us know about what is happening and the next steps and everything). The moment you walk into the Rachel's office you know you are in good hands, that is how much of a pro she is. Office is right in the downtown Boston so its a little hard with parking but other than that there is no other minuses about the experience with Rachel Self. Thank you for all your support and detailed explanation of everything! So much appreciated! And so very much recommended. Thank you

Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Professional, Detail Oriented, Compassionate, and Knowledgeable

I am a permanent resident and I hired Rachel for my wife's green card application. I had a complicated case due to a misunderstood criminal case for which I am on a pretrial probation. She was very attentive, compassionate, and detail oriented when I explained her my situation. She is very knowledgea...ble and knows the law very well. After listening to my situation she explained me that it would not be a problem and my wife's application will be approved despite of the complications in the case. She did a very thorough job preparing the application and made sure that it was perfect. Today we appeared for the interview (3 months after submitting the application), Rachel went in with my wife, and the officer approved our case in only 5 minutes! Rachel was very professional, punctual, and compassionate throughout her communication with us. I will surely be hiring her next year for my naturalization application! I am very impressed with Rachel and would highly recommend her for immigration as well as criminal matter. She knows the law very well and knows how to steer you through a difficult case.

Posted by MohamedB | February 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

If you need a Smart, Caring, Empathetic, professional, more importantly dependable Lawyer; Attorney Self is the ONE.

Maybe you are reading this review because you are wondering if Attorney Self is the right choice for your case. YES without a doubt she is. Believe me, if there is a path for you, no matter how arduous or difficult to navigate the stumbling blocks, she will find a way and carefully guide you toward t...he best outcome possible. When I went to see Rachel in March 2014, I was in despair and hopeless as I almost had given up fighting for my immigration status. My asylum case was denied and referred to an immigration judge who also denied me. My appeals to the BIA and fifth circuit were denied as well. Then I was placed in deportation proceedings. After spending thousands of dollars with 3 other lawyers, the only thing I got was a voluntary departure. One day while watching CNN, a panelist briefly mentioned Rachel’s name as very smart and knowledgeable Boston lawyer about complicated immigration cases. I rewinded the TV, took her name, googled it, but I didn't do anything about two weeks. Then I decided to call and try my luck for one last time. Best Decision Ever. The same day she called me back and I asked to meet with her as my case could not be explained over the phone. When I went to meet with Rachel, I was surprised how personable and down to earth she was despite being a very reputable and obviously a great lawyer. Right way my gut told me she might be the one and here I am today with a green card. Rachel was very honest yet empathetic. She told me there was still a chance, but a small one and it would take time and it would be difficult. However, Rachel said to me, "if I you are willing to try, I will be on your side, fighting for you till the end". God Knows she did as my GREEN CARD Just got approved. Rachel treated me with respect and care. Whenever I sent her a text/email or call her, she promptly got back to me which is very important when you are desperate or anxious about immigration issues. Honestly words cannot express my gratitude toward Attorney Self and her team as I just admire them all. Do you still need convincing? Read below, this is me she was talking about on Facebook. Please check the whole posting on FB. I hired Rachel to be my immigration lawyer, in the end she became my lawyer and therapist at the same time and I can say, I also found a friend for ever. Rachel M. Self, P.C. Page Liked · February 8 · Last night I got this text from one of the sweetest clients I have ever had. The battle has been long. Many, many years. There has been heartbreak and tears and stress and anxiety. But through it all he never lost hope. I first met him in 2014. He came to my office and he had already been in the immigration process for a long time. We talked about his case and I came up with a game plan. It would be long. It would be hard. There could be no guarantees. But if he wanted to try to fight his case, I would help him. We would do it together. He was always patient, humble and kind. Whenever he came to the office his smile lit up his face and the entire room. I straight up adore him and his amazing family. Last night he finally learned his Lawful Permanent Resident card is on the way. We won! I am so thrilled for them.#immigration #nobannowall #istandwithmigrants

Posted by Humberto | October 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

I just got my green card!!!

Rachel is a very experienced and excellent lawyer. Because of this, she gives reliable advice that never failed me. Given her years of experience, she knows very well how this process works and advises the right balance of patience and action. She is obviously well known, well liked and respected... in her field and knows how to best use these assets to help her client. She is down to earth, friendly and made herself available to me via phone, text or visit, as much as I required. My situation was a challenging one and other lawyers that I had visited before Rachel, had turned me down after hearing the difficulties of my case. She took on the challenge, explaining to me the process and hurdles and was very realistic in setting expectations. I am thrilled to say that I just received my 10 year green card. After my experience with this process, my advice to you is: Don't hire an immigration lawyer without consulting Rachel Self first! PS: her Spanish is awesome! :) Thank you Rachel!

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

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