The Best Briefcases for Lawyers and Legal Professionals Alike

When you picture a lawyer briefcase, what comes to mind? Most people probably imagine a sharp-dressed attorney running to court with a large black briefcase stuffed full of documents. Thankfully, with legal practice management software like Clio, document-filled briefcases are a thing of the past. But, let’s face it—lawyers still need to get their laptops and other essentials from point A to point B and look professional while doing it.

If you’re a new attorney looking for the perfect lawyer briefcase, a newly-converted cloud-based practice management software user ready to ditch your bulky old bag, or somewhere in between, we’ve gathered the best lawyer briefcase options on the market below.

The 7 best briefcases for lawyers and legal professionals

Looking for top-of-the-line security? Vegan options? Travel-friendly features? Whatever your needs, we have you covered. Below are our top picks for lawyer briefcases.

Traceability: Knomo briefcases

If safety is top-of-mind for you (or you’re prone to losing things), check out Knomo briefcases. Each Knomo briefcase comes with an ID that can be registered to help recover your bag if it’s ever lost or stolen. In addition, Knomo briefcases come in various sizes and materials and include a shock-resistant laptop section and space for charging cables. Knomo also offers a two-year limited warranty if you run into any issues with your briefcase.

Entry-level briefcase: Tech Gibson Messenger by Herschel

You’ve likely seen their famous backpacks, but did you know Herschel also makes briefcases? The Tech Gibson Messenger is stylish yet affordable–perfect for new lawyers or those who want a more minimalist briefcase option. The briefcase can accommodate a 16” laptop and comes with a zippered luggage trolley sleeve, so it’s great for traveling lawyers.

One of the most exciting things about Herschel is their Limited Lifetime Warranty–they guarantee that every Herschel Supply item is free of material and manufacturing defects. This warranty is valid for the duration of the original purchaser’s lifetime.

Travel-friendly: Metro Duffel by Monos

Monos makes suitcases, so it’s no surprise that their duffel (which is a perfect briefcase for the traveling legal professional) is a top choice. Whether you’re using the duffel for work, pleasure, or both, Monos’s modular features make their duffel an excellent option for lawyers looking for options that will take them beyond the office. The Metro Duffel (which comes in nylon and vegan leather options) features the incredibly useful QuickSnap Modular Kit system, allowing you to swap out interchangeable kits to suit your storage needs. The duffel also includes a trolley sleeve that fits around the handle of Monos suitcases for longer trips. Finally, Monos offers a two-year warranty on all products.

Budget-friendly: The Classic Business Laptop Shuttle by Samsonite

If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly option, consider the Classic Business Laptop Shuttle by Samsonite. This briefcase comes with a padded laptop compartment, a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, and room for a 15.6” laptop, offering great value. In addition, Samsonite has a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty for its products covering manufacturing defects or quality issues.

Eco-conscious: The SOREN Vegan Briefcase by Matt & Nat

Many traditional briefcase companies make their products with animal leather. If you’re not a fan of animal products, look no further than the SOREN Vegan Briefcase by Matt & Nat, which comes in a vegan leather option. This briefcase comes with adjustable and removable straps and has enough room to carry laptops up to 15”. All Matt & Nat products are completely vegan and cruelty-free, so they’re a great choice for vegans, eco-conscious consumers, or anyone looking for a cruelty-free leather alternative. This product also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Vintage-inspired: The City Laptop Briefcase by Aspinal

If you’re looking for a sophisticated, vintage-inspired briefcase, the City Laptop Briefcase by Aspinal is about as classic as it gets. Despite its slim style, there’s room for everything, including a phone pouch and enough room for a 15-inch laptop. This briefcase is handcrafted from full-grain leather and  has a refined look that will never go out of style—and, with a one-year warranty and ongoing repair coverage for stitching, zips, metalwork, handles, and corners, you’ll be using this briefcase for years to come.

Trendiest: The Essential Modern Suitcase by Von Baer

Looking for a stylish lawyer briefcase? Check out the Essential Modern Suitcase by Von Baer– a classic-yet-trendy briefcase designed for professionals who want to put their best bag forward. Made in Italy from premium Italian full-grain leather, durable cotton lining, and YKK zippers, Von Baer’s offering is built to last and will undoubtedly be a mainstay in your lawyer wardrobe for years to come. Plus, with its spacious two-compartment design (large enough to fit a 15.6” laptop), you’ll have more than enough room for your essentials. The best part? Von Baer offers a lifetime warranty on all their products.

How to pick the best briefcase

Ultimately, the best lawyer briefcase is the one that suits your needs. Before making any big purchases, consider your budget, style, and functional needs. For example:

• Just starting out? Don’t worry about spending a lot of money–find the briefcase that suits your budget (there are plenty of great, inexpensive briefcase options out there!).
• Do you travel for work, or simply want a briefcase that you can confidently take anywhere? If so, consider travel briefcases or duffels.
• Are you often out and about at client meetings or events? If so, you may want to prioritize style.

Be sure to check out other product reviews as well–product reviews on the product page (and even reviews on websites like Reddit) can give you great insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a product straight from consumers. And, if you’re buying a briefcase for the lawyer in your life, be sure to peruse our roundup of the best gifts for lawyers.

Finally, selecting lawyer briefcases that carry a great warranty ensures that you’ll be covered if any issues arise and enjoy your investment for years to come

Final thoughts on lawyer briefcases

While lawyer briefcases might not be as ubiquitous as they once were now that the legal community has embraced legal practice management programs like Clio, they’re still an essential item for every lawyer’s wardrobe. With so many great options on the market, there’s a lawyer briefcase that’s sure to meet your specific needs.

For most lawyers with a cloud-based practice, your entire practice fits in your briefcase. Therefore, a briefcase is only as good as what it holds. Make sure whatever you choose can fit your laptop so you can run your practice from anywhere with Clio. See Clio in action now.

We published this blog post in September 2022. Last updated: September 25, 2024.

Categorized in: Business