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131 Client Reviews

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Showing 1 - 5 of 38 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Susan | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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.