PRO

Licensed for 21 years

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

Virtual Consultation Available

About Rachel

Biography

Rachel Self is the founding member of Rachel M. Self, P.C. She represents individuals in criminal and immigration matters, specializing in criminal trial work, family immigration, citizenship, deportation defense, and post-conviction relief. She has regularly appeared as a legal analyst for various news networks and has been featured in multiple documentary productions and interviews.

After 49 migrants were abducted and flown to Martha’s Vineyard in the fall of 2022, she was instrumental in organizing support for them from local agencies. She also assisted in coordinating the criminal investigations of all the victims with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department resulting in U visa certifications for all 49 victims. Her efforts garnered national recognition, including features on 60 Minutes, the Washington Post, New York Times, Trevor Noah’s Turning Point Documentary Martha’s Vineyard vs. DeSantis, and Honorable Mention as Bostonian of the Year 2022 in the Boston Globe Magazine. She recently contributed to Fareed Zakaria’s Immigration Breakdown, a CNN documentary about immigration.

Rachel has been selected by Boston Magazine and Super Lawyers as a top immigration attorney from 2009-2025 and has recently been honored for the twelfth year in a row by The National Trial Lawyers: Top Trial Lawyers. She was also recognized as a Best Lawyer in America in the field of immigration law by her peers for 2024-2025. She is the recipient of the Boston Bar Association’s President’s Award and the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association’s President’s Commendation for her “fast acting and courageous work providing resources and assistance in times of need”.

Rachel is regularly asked to teach and speak on both criminal and immigration issues. She has taught advanced immigration and crimmigration seminars for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Massachusetts Bar Association, Flaschner Judicial Institute, and the New Hampshire Judicial Education Program. She has also taught at New England Law Boston. She is rated “Superb,” the highest possible ranking, by Avvo, a national attorney rating service and was awarded with the Client’s Choice award for 2013-2025. Rachel is fluent in Spanish and has a broad base of knowledge in international and cross-cultural issues.

In her spare time, Rachel loves spending time traveling and cooking.

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

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

Contact for Details

Awards

2025 2024 2022

...

+ 11

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 21 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

See All Attorney Licenses See Less Attorney Licenses

Location

Rachel M. Self, P.C.

(617) 742-0194

Fax

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

attorneyself.com

Get Directions

See All Locations See Less Locations

Gallery

Rachel M. Self's Reviews

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

131 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(130)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(1 )

See client reviews from Lawyers.com

Showing 21 - 25 of 55 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Joao | March 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

One of the very tip top #1 BEST Lawyer I know

First of all, I have to say that Rachel is very amazing at what she does. I've been dealing with Rachel for years and with many different cases and not 1 time I felt anything would had went wrong. My final case was involved with immigration and I was facing possible deportation. With Rachel by my si...de, fighting for me with all the hard work and dedication she gives to her clients, she does not fail you. She cares for you like you're her family. She wants to help you! With that being said, I am no longer facing deportation and about a month from finalizing my case and process of my citizenship I AM NOW AN AMERICAN CITIZEN and that's with most thanks to Rachel and all of her support. Hire her and you will NOT regret it.

See Full Review Collapse Review

Posted by Benjamin | March 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A very professional, passionate Lawyer I've known. She dedicate her job with willingly to help people.

After hired 2 Previous Lawyer before for my case but with very dissapointed result, Rachel M. Self brought me a new life. I Thank you to the Lord that I met her from my Daughter to reopen my case again. From the beginning, she explained honestly how the case will be high and take times but Indeed, ...she won my case. I feel very happy now and my top recommendation who ever need help and justice to hired Rachel M. Self as your Lawyer because she brings hope and solve the problem with the best effort she will do. Most of all she has passion, and confidence for her job that made me trusted on her and again, she proved it to me. Thank you very much Rachel for what you have done to my case, May you will always be an extendable hand of God to help all people who come to you. Sinecerely, Benjamin Nieves.

See Full Review Collapse Review

Posted by Michael | March 04, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

If you come across attorney Self, you are very very lucky. She's intelligent, knowledgeable, creative and caring.

"A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge" Attorney Self is a GREAT lawyer. I came across this quote while I was searching for an immigration lawyer, and it is safe to say that Ms. Self is one of the greatest lawyers. I had to get an immigration lawyer right after I came back ...from traveling abroad. I was falsely accused and had to accept my charge previously. Due to the nature of my criminal charge, I was eligible for a deportation process which is not an option for me. I was referred to Attorney Self but I wasn't too sure when I first looked her up. I've never seen any lawyer with such high reviews and she was on the news. I had many doubts such as "Is this one of those celebrity attorneys who got lucky to be exposed to the media and not a good lawyer in real life? Will she actually have time for her clients? Does she pay for fake social media reviews for high ratings?" However, I decided to go for her after watching all her interview videos because she sounded very eloquent and expressive. Because my previous lawyer wasn't so vocal at the court, I wanted someone who can at least say something back to the judge. And she seemed she could at least do that. As I went through my case with her, my doubts went away. I had a very lengthy conversation with her during the initial meeting. She was honest with everything. She told me about the best outcome along with the worst outcomes and what would be her strategy to go about all the different outcomes. Because she is VERY knowledgeable in both immigration and criminal laws, she wanted to reopen up my criminal case to for a new trial to prove my innocence so I don't have to deal with immigration consequences. Since I was stopped by a border control agent as I was entering the country, I was not eligible for a bond and would be in custody for anywhere from 6-12 months until my immigration court date. But reopening my case would bring me to square one and wouldn't However, she assured me with her careful plans and her strategy. There were many obstacles for me. Attorney Self explained to me that the reopening my case for a new trial has a slim chance because not only reopening a case doesn't happen very often, my judge is known as very strict and tough. I definitely felt this way when I first faced him with my previous lawyer. I was worried but felt relieved at the same time because at least she knew what she was walking into and was preparing herself to confront the judge. The day of my hearing, she was absolutely prepared and fought like hell. As expected, the judge was being very tough but attorney judge didn't flinch and argued back. After the hearing, one of the court clerks actually came up to me and said "Attorney Self did really well and she never saw anyone like this before." That's how impressive she was. Eventually, the judge decided to give me a new chance for a re-trial and I was able to fix my issue on immigration matter. Attorney Self had a short amount of time to prepare for my hearing because I had to report back to the border control. But the way she prepared for my hearing was absolutely phenomenal. Not only she understands the law very well, but also she understands the judge and plans her strategy accordingly. I still have a long journey, but I feel very confident with her. As you might have already read from different reviews, it is true that she promptly responds back. She has a kind heart and will always be available to your calls because she actually does care about her clients. The level of her communication is exceptional. And as I can say enough, she is very very knowledgeable. If you come across attorney Self, don't hesitate to reach out to her.

See Full Review Collapse Review

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

See Full Review Collapse Review

Posted by Orlandi lara | October 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Best lawyer ever.

If you are looking for a great immigration and criminal lawyer. Please, look no further! Rachel is truly amazing. Not only she is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in immigration field-she is super attentive and dedicated and will treat your case/problem as her own. If Rachel takes your case, y...ou can be confident that she’ll do everything and will win it. Besides being an outstanding professional, she also has a very nice personality, and it’s simply a pleasure to work with her, when I met her I had no hope to win my husband case , all I heard from others lawyers was that the best option was to sign to voluntary and here we are Rachel made it possible she win my case of cancellation of removal . Thank you

See Full Review Collapse Review

See All Client Reviews

« First ‹ Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next › Last »

Rachel M. Self's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Rachel

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 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 Kron

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

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 Coughlin

Immigration lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

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

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stefanie Fisher

Immigration lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

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 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 Linnehan

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

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 Tumposky

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Roa

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Haven

Unknown lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

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 Milligan

Immigration lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Michael Bace

Immigration lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Keith Durden

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

See More Lawyer Endorsements See Less Lawyer Endorsements View All Endorsements

Holly Smith

Child support lawyer

Christopher Coughlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Seena Pidani

Litigation lawyer

Michael Haven

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Tumposky

Criminal defense lawyer

R. Scott Oswald

Immigration lawyer

Michael Bace

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Leonard Milligan

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith Durden

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Kim

Criminal defense lawyer

Dmitry Lev

Criminal defense lawyer

William Roa

Criminal defense lawyer

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

See All Honors See Less Honors

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Owner, Rachel M. Self, P.C.

See All Work Experiences See Less Work Experiences

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

See All Associations See Less Associations

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

See All Education See Less Education

Speaking Engagements

2020

Immigration Basics Plus

Immigration Court Practice

2019

The Latest in Crimmigration Shifting Sands - Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity

2018

Crimmingration 101 Crimmigration 101

2017

Crimmigration 101 Navigating the Murky Waters Where Criminal Law and Immigration Consequences Intersect

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

See All Speaking Engagements See Less Speaking Engagements

Languages

Spanish

English

See All Languages Spoken See Less Languages Spoken

Activity

Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Answers

Q&A

Can i travel while my asylum application is pending? i have to see judge for individual hearing in five months

19 Feb 2010

Q&A

Will an arrest record affect immigration status.

16 Feb 2010

See More Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Guide

How to Obtain your Criminal Record in Massachusetts

20 Feb 2010

Rachel M. Self

About Rachel

Biography

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

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Awards

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 21 years

Location

Rachel M. Self, P.C.

Gallery

Rachel M. Self's Reviews

Overall Rating This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

Rachel M. Self's Lawyer Endorsements

Experience

Honors

Work Experience

Associations

Sample of Legal Cases

Education

Speaking Engagements

Languages

Activity

Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.