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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 16 - 20 of 30 reviews | General Knowledge

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!

Posted by Tilma | April 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

The lawyer you want by your side!

Rachel is absolutely amazing. She is a brilliant attorney and an unbelievable human being. There are no two cases the same when it comes to immigration law, her thorough knowledge of the law and the procedures, as well as her calming personality are two of the strongest assets one will need in a ...lawyer who represents your immigration case. Rachel was there for me and my husband during our panic attacks, our uncertainties and so much more. She handheld me and my employer while my case was submitted to Immigration Court. We couldn't have wished for a better lawyer. Even when we didn't believe in ourselves, we never lost our trust in Rachel and her capabilities. If you want a lawyer that would go the extra mile for you, hire Rachel. She will give you the piece of mind you didn't know you could have. My husband and I are eternally thankful to Rachel and there are no words we could show our gratitude.

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 Laurie | April 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Amazing job-Comprehensive knowlegde of immigration law

My husband and I hired Rachel for a complicated case, involving my husband's adjustment of status. Rachel made the process very clear from the first phone call. Rachel was always there (via text, email, phone call or in person meeting) whenever we reached out, ready with full explanation of any quest...ions or concerns we had. She was the most knowledgeable attorney we encountered in our long process with immigration and we reached out to over four lawyers. Rachel knows the law and process, and was very clear that there was a pathway for my husband's case despite what others had told us. She had originally explained that our case could take time, she was correct and we received our approval recently. These cases often take patience and perseverance, she worked tirelessly for us and was professional, positive and encouraging throughout the process.

Posted by Amy | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Rachel helped me get my life back

When I was arrested Rachel called me at the police station (per my father's request) and she was in court the very next morning with motions and documents for my case. For the past year and a half she has worked diligently on my case. She is knowledgeable, honest, and persistent. She has this way abo...ut her that demands respect, and she is assertive without coming off as being rude (which in my experience, is not an easy thing to do!). She didnt sugarcoat things and gave me real expectations about the possible outcomes of my case. She always returned my phone calls and emails. I think what really sets her apart is the way she is able to communicate with people; she worked her butt off to make the DA see me as a person, and not just another case. I'd have to imagine this is a very hard thing to do, but Rachel makes it look easy. Ultimately through her hard work and dedication she was able to negotiate a just and fair outcome to the very serious charges I was facing. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else by my side these past 18 months, 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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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