Q&A with Attorney Irvin Rakhlin

Where did you go to Law School, and what was your experience like there?

I went to BU Law and graduated in 2007. I didn’t particularly care for the courses in law school that were theoretical in nature, but I felt that I really hit my stride and was fully engaged when I was able to participate in practical courses and the criminal defense clinic. Being able to get my hands on real cases and help with real clients really made me feel like law school was the right path for me.

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I knew I had a passion for verbal and written advocacy from a very young age. I enjoyed challenging discussions and expressing my thoughts in essays all throughout my educational career.

What qualities do you think a lawyer should possess?

A good lawyer has to be an effective advocate for his client, have a keen understanding of the practicalities of the judicial system, and possess the ability to convince others to see things in a different light.

What is a typical day for you?

The reality is that there is no such thing as a typical day for me; some days I find myself traveling from Concord District Court to Taunton District Court all within a few hours. Other days I might spend an entire day in one court house, such as Boston Municipal Court or Framingham District Court, conducting a trial. And still on other days, I may never put on a suit and tie as I am spending the day at my desk working on current cases or meeting with new clients.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?

When people hire me, they come to me in one state of crisis or another. I take great satisfaction in leaving all of my clients better off than how they originally found me. Seeing a case through the entire process from arraignment to trial and achieving an outcome that originally did not seem possible makes me feel like I am making a difference in the lives of the individuals who hire me.

What are you most proud of on your resume?

Academic accomplishments and professional accomplishments are probably what most people would think of when discussing their resume. But what really makes me feel good about the work I do is reading the heartfelt testimonials of my former clients who have been kind enough to let me and the rest of the world know how they felt about my services and performance.

What are some of your hobbies?

I have always been very active in athletics, so staying fit through various forms of exercise is a favorite hobby of mine. Any time that I have left over I enjoy spending with my wife and children.