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 55 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by DAN MORALES | October 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

THE BEST LAWYER WITHOUT A DOUBT

I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years, having said that I am familiar with many lawyers. We needed and retained two lawyers that were recommended for a family member in need of representation. On separate appearances we were told the same thing by both attorneys, pack your bags and sen...d him back, this was absolutely NOT acceptable to our family. We contacted Rachel Self and met with her, not only were we given hope but felt at ease knowing that she gave the best assessment of this very complex case. In the end after an appeal Rachel Self gave the best, most professional defense that I have witnessed in my years in law enforcement. Rachel Self won the appeal for removal, base on her experience and knowledge. I will have her name on the tip of my tongue ready to recommend her expertise to anyone that needs a GREAT lawyer.

Posted by Carlos | June 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

today I swear to myself as a citizen, Rachel was always honest with me working with the right moment without wasting time

God put me on the road the most honest and sincere lawyer, you always trusted that this process was going to be positive, something very difficult to fight that many saw it impossible until I came to think at some point that we were not going to arrive and you always You told me you have to fight. I ...remember in 2010 when we were applying for my residency in a probation process that I was going through and you helped me get it back, at a time when I was halfway there I went to see if we could start working with my citizenship and you told me it was not time yet, you always treated me honestly, you never put me to spend money if there was no possibility of solving, at the right time you told me Carlos it's time we worked and everything was as you told me. I only ask God to give you life and Health to help people like me who always need someone like you to speak to us with the truth, who is responsible for their words. for me you are the best lawyer that I have dealt with.

Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Brilliant Immigration Attorney for Green Card Approval

We were very fortunate to be able to work with Atty Rachel Self for our EAD/AP and adjustment of status applications. From our very first consultation to after receiving our approvals, Rachel provided us with spot on advice and kept us well informed every step of the way. She is a brilliant immigrati...on attorney who works tirelessly for her clients and apart from her professional guidance, she is truly an amazing person to work with. While preparing our applications, she worked swiftly in organizing all the documentation and getting it mailed out at the earliest. She kept us informed of any updates to our case and was always available to answer any of our questions in-person, by email and phone. When we received our interview notices in the mail she advised us on what to expect and what documents to bring with us to the interview so that we would be well prepared and organized. On the day of our interview she accompanied us and the immigration officer approved our applications on the spot. We were told that we would receive our green cards in the mail within two weeks, but we received the approval notice within a week and the card soon afterwards. We wholeheartedly recommend working with Rachel as you not only get a professional but someone who truly cares about securing an approval of your case. Thank you again, Rachel, for always being there for us throughout this entire process. We hope to always stay in touch and look forward to working with you again in the future for our citizenship applications.

Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

One of the best

My wife and I hired Rachel to utilize her vast criminal law expertise. She came highly recommended as someone who  “will fight for you and is an overall caring person”.  Although our case was fairly small in the scope of her practice, her attention and determination never left us feeling it was. She ...responded promptly to our emotional distress call over the weekend. Her approach was sympathetic, thoughtful and dynamic. She worked hard behind the scenes and updated us with clear and concise information about our case as she had it (and was upfront about the costs and expenses being incurred). Ultimately Racheal was able to have our case dismissed by prosecutorial discretion before arraignment, leaving other lawyers in the courtroom asking “how did you do that?” She is well deserving of her top lawyer accolades.

Posted by Veronica | September 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The Absolute BEST

We hired Rachel Self to help with my husband’s criminal and immigration cases. Prior to hiring Rachel, we had already worked with not one but three lawyers and were left financially and emotionally drained and disappointed. It’s not that our previous lawyers were not knowledgeable or experienced, it’...s that they did not CARE on a personal level, we were just a job to them, whatever the outcome, they get their pay. Things are completely different with Rachel. From the first meeting with her, we felt important. She honestly sympathized with our situation. She was very professional, asked a many important questions, details that our previous attorneys never even looked into. She’s incredibly hard working and diligent. We know we can TRUST her; she is 100% on our side! What we love about Rachel the most, is that she is always HONEST. If things are bad, she will tell you. She will not work your hopes up and then crush you. She can assess the situation wisely and prepare you for the possible outcomes. Even though, sometimes the outcome may not be the most desirable for us, talking about it ahead of time realistically and honestly has helped us manage our emotions and plan for the future calmly. Our immigration case is still open, but we have finally stopped worrying and can sleep soundly because we have Rachel watching our back. She will not spare any resources to help us. Rachel Self is a true GEM!!! I am thankful to God to have found her. The only thing I regret is not meeting her sooner. If you are involved in a criminal or immigration matter, first of all, I am sorry for what you are going through, and second, you NEED to hire Rachel Self. Rachel Self is truly the best attorney out there!!!

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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