Overall Rating
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5.0 /5.0

132 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(131)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(1 )

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Immigration (86) Criminal Defense (30) Lawsuits & Disputes (10) Family (4) Asylum (3) Appeals (2) Administrative Law (1) Child Abuse (1) Child Custody (1) Domestic Violence (1) Drug Crime (1) State, Local And Municipal Law (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (92) Advocacy (65) Recommendation (56) Practice Area Knowledge (55) Professionalism (51) Communication Style (38) Responsiveness (38) Trustworthiness (32) General Knowledge (31) Compassion (30) Character & Conduct (29) Cost of Services (6) Punctuality (6) Staff & Support (6)

Showing 1 - 5 of 30 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Susan | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Expertise, knowledge of the legal ecosystem (people and processes), superb communication, all delivered with compassion

When I found myself, for the first time ever, facing serious legal charges in Boston Massachusetts, I contacted Rachel Self and 4 other well reviewed attorneys. Living on the opposite coast and with ZERO contacts in Boston from whom to get referrals, I resorted to online sources with profiles and re...views. I left messages with brief outlines of my situation and waited anxiously to hear back, wondering how I would make this momentous decision. One of the 5 attorneys never called me back. 2 had very junior associates call me back a few days later. One senior person who eventually called back couldn’t or wouldn’t put succinctly how he would defend me. Rachel called me back late HER time the next day, explaining she always tried to return calls quickly. So, the first positive sign was that after a full day in court Rachel was returning calls to a mere prospective client late in her day. In that first brief call, she demonstrated her expertise and competence in situations like I was facing. She asked the right questions, offered up that I would likely NOT have to travel to Boston for the next step with the courts (something no one else seemed cognizant of) and in crystal clear terms explained the sequence of events ahead. She fully articulated the actions she would take and the cost for her services. Although she was as always efficient in her communication, she in no way rushed me off the phone when I had questions. Remember this was late in the evening her time and I wasn’t a paying client yet. In our ongoing meetings I never felt rushed and always had every question answered fully. Cost wise Rachel was neither the highest nor the lowest. Her fee was without a doubt the best money I ever spent. That she knew what she was doing AND knew all of the relevant parties and processes became even more abundantly clear. She was honest about what would help and what could hurt us (and it did feel like US), so I felt well prepared for what lay ahead. Having armed us with everything that could affect the outcome, she secured a positive result for me. Charges did not go forward but that was by no means guaranteed. Based on her profile, years of experience, positive online reviews and my initial experience, I expected expert legal advice and representation. What was unexpected and incredibly valuable during this mortifying and terrifying time was her empathy and compassion, which showed up in every conversation and email. In selecting a lawyer, I dreaded the kinds of conversations I knew we would have regarding my situation. No one could have managed those difficult conversations better. Rachel Self is a legal champion for her clients. She is also a HUMAN champion for those of us lucky enough to find her. She helped me through the worst of times in a way that honored and salvaged my dignity as a human being. I will be forever grateful to her.

Posted by Doug | February 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Empathic Attorney

Rachel represented us in a criminal case that extended over 5 1/2 years. During this time the prosecution was disinterested in examining the facts or dropping the case that was rife with dubious and conflicting testimony. Rachel took the time to peel the layers back exposing the predisposed rush t...o judgement. Her skill as a lawyer and empathy as a person allowed us to dismantle the web of accusations and expose them as false. It was an especially trying case for ourselves and Rachel. We never gave up and Rachel provided logical and caring advice throughout the ordeal. There is no way we can thank her enough.

Posted by Anna | January 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney

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 Elen Forsythe | January 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Rachel self amazing, honest lawyer. Melhor/ Mejor. You found what you were looking for !

Let me start by she is god sent to help people. I thank god everyday I found her. She knows the law, she is responsible, kind, honest, knowledgeable, speaks Spanish and have staff that speaks Portuguese. She will fight for you. I went to 5 different immigration lawyers and they made my case sound im...possible and like I had no chance. I found Rachel here on avvo.com and I’m glad I read the reviews. My case was immigration and criminal. She worked along with my criminal lawyer advising him what was the best outcome for my immigration case. Than she reopened my deportation case, filing a I751 to obtain my green card. Everything happened just the way she said, she fought for me Like I was her family member. I just got approved for my green card and now I’m on my way to citizenship thanks for her hard work and dedication to her clients. “Don’t waste your time looking for a lawyer she is the one you need.” If you have a chance she will be honest and make it happen. Words can’t thank you enough Rachel self! God bless you ! Amazing!

Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney

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.

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