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 26 - 30 of 30 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Rigels | May 09, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Rachel Self: “Remarkable and Intelligent”

Rachel’s capabilities go above your standard attorney. She is an extremely experienced, intelligent, and effective counselor, and I was proud to have selected her for my defense in a recent criminal case. At the beginning of my case, I panicked as I didn't know where to turn having been falsely... accused of a crime I knew in my heart that I didn't commit, however, Rachel had the ability to ease some of my fears and always told me that all would be okay. There were many instances where the alleged plaintiff tried to rile things up and while the experience was frustrating, I knew that I shouldn't feed into the other person’s negativity. During the trial, there were many times where Rachel had to remind the judge how the laws worked. She was competent, steadfast, and held her ground throughout it all. Rachel defended me with wisdom, right gut instinct, and through everything, was always just overly positive about the outcome of my case. I can't think of a situation where I wouldn't be most comfortable with Attorney Self. I am so relieved that I selected Rachel as my attorney. If it had been any other way, I am not sure as to whether the outcome would have been the same. Ultimately, I was found Not Guilty on all charges, and I owe everything to Rachel… my life, my happiness, my freedom. You cannot go wrong by selecting Rachel Self as your legal representative. For me, she was worth her weight in gold.

Posted by Annette | November 15, 2013 | Immigration

Hardworking and compassionate

Rachel worked on a case for my husband, she always answered all our questions always called me back when I needed answers and felt that she was always there for us. The case involved immigration issues and she always gave me the good and the bad never sugar coated anything which I respected her for t...hat. Hardworking in a way that she really looked into the laws and how it can work for us. I would recommend her to all my family and friends never disappointed.

Posted by Marco & Dave | November 07, 2013 | Immigration

Immigration Representation

Attorney Self was a referral from another law firm. From the initial contact she was nothing but professional with such positive attitude and energy towards our sensitive case. Rachel is not your typical attorney. She is very knowledgeable and generally seems to take a real interest in her clients. A...t our initial meeting she explained in layman terms the process and the time-line. She was accurated with both without any unpleasant surprises. We would highly recommend Rachel in cases similar to ours involving Immigration, without any hesitation.

Posted by Lou | August 02, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

She is the best!

I don't usually take part in these "review" forums, maybe because I just don't seem to ever receive what I would call "great service". People today seem to want to do just enough to get by. Well, there apparently is an exception to every rule, and Rachel Self is just that when it comes to attorneys!... While ours was not the "biggest" case she'll ever take on, she made us feel as though it was the most important! She kept us informed every step of the way so that we knew what the possible outcomes could be. She was immediately available to answer any questions we had along the way and most importantly of all, she was prepared! Watching her in court, I got the feeling she was actually teaching the judge a few things about the law! During a time of considerable anxiety for our family, it was extremely comforting to know that Rachel was working for us! If you unfortunately find yourself in need of an attorney, I strongly suggest you call Rachel Self!!

Posted by Lizette | October 09, 2011 | Immigration

Would Highly Reccomend

Rachel was invaluable in helping my husband and I through the process of obtaining his green card. She is very clear about what she needs from you, impeccably prepared for meetings and always greets you with a smile. She made a process which, on paper, seemed impossible to understand but her vast e...xperience with cases similar to ours made us feel like we were always in safe hands. She was most helpful during our in-person interview by keeping us well-informed as to what type of questions we might be asked and making us feel assured in the strength of our case. In short, she was a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her to anyone.

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