For many modern professionals, the briefcase has evolved into the messenger bag, but there is still one demographic for whom briefcases are still an essential accessory – lawyers. Every attorney needs a briefcase.
A lawyer’s briefcase telegraphs who they are before the first word is spoken. This makes the right briefcase essential to achieving a favorable first impression. Every lawyer needs a briefcase every working day, so choosing the right briefcase is an all-important first step in brand management. But lawyers aren’t limited to the traditional options in briefcases.
What was the traditional option in lawyers’ briefcases?
There was a time when the dress code for lawyers required a conservative suit or dress accompanied by an expandable leather briefcase, preferably in black. This briefcase was usually made with calfskin. It had a single thick leather handle and brass hardware.
The traditional briefcase for lawyers remains an option, but in the twenty-first-century manufacturers have used modern materials and production techniques to produce a range of options in briefcases to fit every lawyer’s unique style. We cover all of those styles in this article. But before we get into the details of the styles and types of briefcases for lawyers, let’s review what is and is not acceptable in briefcases for attorneys.
Looking for a great female work bag? Check out our review of some of the very best work bags for female lawyers.
What are the boundaries of acceptable style in briefcases for lawyers?
Briefcases for lawyers should always be aesthetically pleasing without being in any way ostentatious or outrageous (unless ostentation and outrageousness are part of the image you are crafting for yourself, and for lawyers seeking employment, they probably aren’t). Because you want to control the emotional impact of your appearance on clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel, your briefcase should be a neutral color. Black works in nearly every situation. Brown, tan, and navy are acceptable if they match your wardrobe.
It’s hard to go wrong with 100-percent genuine leather, but there are other materials that can be acceptable choices when the security of the documents you carry in your briefcase, and the impression that you are taking care with them, is of paramount in your relationship with your client.
Beyond aesthetics, there are also issues of organization and use. Do you need to keep large numbers of documents in order? Do you always carry your laptop? Are you a frequent flyer who needs something easy to get through security and easy stow in your overhead bin or under your seat?
Let’s start with a look at the most common styles of briefcases for lawyers. Keep in mind the fact lawyers need different kinds of briefcases in different situations.
Padfolio
The thinnest and smallest briefcase available for lawyers or any other professional, the padfolio conveys a sense of informality and brevity for inter-office meetings designed to be conducted efficiently. This briefcase may also be appropriate for use in study groups for a law school class. (Lawyers begin cultivating their brand in law school.)
Padfolios do not have handles at the top. They are meant to be carried under the arm or in the hand. Because padfolios have a very thin frame, only small, flat objects fit in them.
They help lawyers stay organized without a full briefcase when they have to be away from their desks.
The competition for the padfolio is the old-fashioned manila envelope. A padfolio provides a much more professional presentation than a battered manila envelope that may have wound its away around the office several times.
A padfolio is a great place for storing not just paperwork for meetings but also business cards, notebook, and pen, making you ready for casual meetings with potential clients passing through the office and help you look more upscale than jotting down notes on a notepad. But no lawyer and no law student should make a padfolio their only briefcase.
Portfolio
The portfolio is a slightly larger version of a padfolio, large enough to accommodate a legal pad for taking notes in a client meeting, broad enough to fit an iPad or small flat screen. Because portfolios have handles, they are much easier to carry than padfolios.
Recommended Portfolio
- FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS: Don’t settle for second best.Handmade with superior full grain cowhide leather finish and stitching, secured by a dual YKK zip closure, when you show up to that interview, business presentation, or group project, the luxurious presentation of this zippered portfolio folder will tell everyone that you are a serious professional player. It’s the perfect option for businessmen and women, students, lawyers, graduates, and more.
- ORGANIZE EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE: This premium leather business folder comes with a dual zipper for accessibility and security,as well as lots of pockets that includes:one outside pocket, expandable pocket, zippered pocket, phone pocket, 4 business card slots, 2 pen slots, writing pad holder, etc. With plenty of space to keep your laptop, tablet, pens, pencils, notebooks, and other essentials in just one leather portfolio organizer, help you excel in a work setting!
- ROOMY ENOUGH TO HOLD 13" LAPTOP with ease. This business leather padfolio features a large expandable pocket measuring 13.4" x 9.8", which is roomy enough to store a 13-inch MacBook Air or an large iPad such as iPad pro 12.9 with the attached keyboard cover.This leather office portfolio case is great for business men and women going to meetings and needing a large tablet/iPad,laptop and other supplies.
- GENEROUS PAPERWORK STORAGE.This professional notebook portfolio designed for standard US letter sized 11”x 8 1/2” sheets and notepad. This leather portfolio organizer goes over well with most business people or students.
- GREAT Choice for birthday, anniversary,college graduation and new career. This genuine leather professional padfolio comes with a 50 page letter sized notepad. We are so confident in our product that we are including a 30-days return and a one-year FREE replacement warranty. Enjoy the high-end portfolio now!
Flap-Over Messenger Bag
A messenger bag is a dressed down version of a briefcase that is fine for coming into the office on weekends when you do not have scheduled meetings with clients or your seniors in the firm. It is stylish enough to convey casual professionalism, although you need an upscale messenger bag enough for weekday use. Both women and men can use flap-over messenger bags with straps.
Don’t Make the Briefcase Strap Mistake
Messenger bags traditionally come with carrying straps. After all, a bicycle messenger can’t steer a bike at high speed while hanging on to a bag handle with one hand. Messenger bags and briefcases with detachable straps are highly functional, but it is generally a good idea to avoid carrying straps if you are seeking to project a professional appearance.
Why is that?
Satchels, messenger bags, and, to a lesser extent, briefcases with straps are all associated with non-professional environments. They are fine for students, even most law students, but older associates and older clients may equate them with casual attire. That’s particularly true when the straps extend across your torso.
Briefcase straps can look sloppy. When you are carrying your briefcase, the strap will hang just inches above the floor and dangle from both sides. The clasps connecting the straps are metal, which can clink when you walk. It is almost impossible to fold the strap neatly when you put your briefcase down.
Steer clear of straps when you want to present a sharp, professional appearance. A detachable strap may not be a fashion faux pas when it is obvious that you are carrying a heavy laptop, but it’s best not to think in terms of what you can get away with.
Recommended Flap-Over Messenger Bag
- Please note that the leather used in crafting this bag is a natural cowhide that is minimally treated; As a result each bag will be slightly different and have its own unique characteristics; You may notice some imperfections and color variations in the leather
- organizer under front flap holds your business essentials
- Removable, adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Fits up to 15.6" laptops; Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 16x 12x 4.5"
Attaché
Attachés are the traditional briefcase. They are rigid, angular, and large. A traditional Attaché case opened on the side to reveal two compartments, a larger compartment for papers and smaller compartment with pockets for writing implements, backup cell phones, and chargers. These briefcases are inexpensive and versatile, but they do not communicate a lawyer’s brand. Metal Attaché cases, unless you are delivering cash or weapons are especially to be avoided in professional settings.
Recommended Attaché
- SECURE SLEEK DESIGN – The Alpine Swiss attaché leather briefcase is sleek and polished to help you make a great impression wherever you take it. Dual combination locks can be individually set and will keep your personal belongings secure.
- SPACIOUS & EXPANDABLE – This spacious briefcase’s exterior measurements are 19" x 14" x 4" + 1" (expanded) and interior measurements are 17.5" x 12.75" x 3" + 1" (expanded).
- PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION – Interior organizer features an expanding folder section, business card slots, 2 pen slots, phone slip pouch, and a secure flap over pouch to keep your business essentials neatly organized.
- DURABLE QUALITY – Exterior is made from quality genuine leather for a refined and sophisticated look accented by durable silver hardware. Carrying top handle is sturdy and comfortable, four protective metal feet at the bottom of case keep it elevated to prevent fast wear and tear from the floor.
- WARRANTY – Comes with a 1-year Alpine Swiss manufacturer’s warranty against defects so you can make your purchase with confidence.
Roller Briefcase
Roller briefcases cut down on the number of bags you need to check on your flight. They are a relatively easy way to carry heavy loads, although they are not a secure way to carry sensitive documents. But problems tend to outweigh benefits. There are some serious drawbacks to using roller briefcases:
- Chances are that you won’t use your roller briefcase very often. Although there may be some brief interludes in your legal career when you will travel frequently, no one should pay $250 to $2500 for a briefcase they use only two or three times a year. Consider whether the expense is justified.
- Collisions in high-density traffic. In a busy airport or a busy city jammed with foot traffic. Rolling a briefcase around with it getting caught or someone’s tripping over it requires you to move slowly and deliberately – and there are many times you need to walk quickly or even break into a sprint in airports and in urban settings. And you won’t be able to avoid situations in which the quickest way forward may be off a curb, smacking your laptop the force of a half-foot drop.
- Roller briefcases are built tough for harsh treatment during travel. How can that be a problem? The toughness of the suitcase comes with added weight. The stronger the exterior, the greater the weight you will have to carry up escalators and in and out of cars.
- Roller suitcases aren’t ideal for first impressions. They look like you are carrying your whole wardrobe and you plan on moving in. They are OK for transportation to your hotel, but entirely too bulky and noisy to bring into your client’s office.
Recommended Roller Briefcase
- Rolling Laptop Bag: This stylish full-grain leather wheeled bag has a padded 15.6" laptop compartment, full length front zippered pocket, full size front zip-down organizer section, and a divided file compartment
- Work And Travel: This premium rolling briefcase will keep your laptop and important business documents safe while you're commuting or traveling for business. Push button telescoping handle system
- Solo Has Your Back: We guarantee every bag to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship for 5 years from the date of purchase, and every tablet case for 1 year from the date of purchase
- Keep Moving In Style: Our sustainably designed suitcases, carry on bags, rolling cases, backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, hybrid bags, and more bring the dynamic spirit of New York to your commute
- Solo New York: Founded in 1940, our third generation family business is proud to represent the city that is our home. We combine a commitment to craftsmanship with a flair for urban, style savvy innovation
Leather Expandable Briefcase
Leather expandable briefcases has multiple pocket and zippered pouches to keep papers, backup communications devices, and flat screens organized. Most leather expandable briefcases have a removable strap for carrying your case over your shoulder.
What should you look for in a leather expandable briefcase? You don’t want metal clips for the carrying strap made of metal that has been painted over. The paint can chip.
You want an outer frame that helps to maintain the briefcase’s shape. A bulky exterior looks unprofessional and makes the briefcase harder to carry.
Look for briefcases with a light-colored interior. This makes it easier to find things inside. And you want interior zippers that can give you even more space when you have to carry large numbers of documents. Make sure the handles (if you don’t want to carry it over the shoulder) are sturdy enough that they won’t tear or break when the contents are unusually heavy. They should be double stitched to make them sturdier.
Recommended Expandable Leather Briefcase
- Depth: 7.25 inches
- Crafted of genuine leather
- Front, Pocket organization for all of your business needs
- Padded, removable shoulder strap adjusts for convenience
- Leather is made from hide or skin that has been split into layers or segments before or after tanning
The Thin Front Pocket Leather Briefcase
The thin front pocket leather briefcase is a sophisticated update of the saddle bags of the nineteenth century. Adapted from bags used to transport money and other valuables by stagecoach, this briefcase can be carried by its handles, hooked to a carrying strap to be carried across your body for greater security, or converted to a backpack.
Look for double stitching for durability. As with expandable leather briefcases, metal clips and rings should not be painted so they will not chip. Stainless steel is preferable to brass.
Better versions of this briefcase are lined with tough but soft pigskin.
The better examples of this style are made with full-grain leather. Full-grain leather is the top layer of cow skin. It isn’t genuine leather,but it is the most durable and the most expensive part of the hide. Full-grain leather looks better with age. Your briefcase may not only outlast your career, it may become an heirloom.
Recommended Thin Front Pocket Leather Briefcase
- Depth: 7.25 inches
- Crafted of genuine leather
- Front, Pocket organization for all of your business needs
- Padded, removable shoulder strap adjusts for convenience
- Leather is made from hide or skin that has been split into layers or segments before or after tanning
The Laptop-Compatible Leather Briefcase
A laptop-compatible leather briefcase is a leather handbag large enough to carry a laptop, with pockets for documents, chargers, and smaller devices for an Internet connection. The exterior of this briefcase is designed like the bag carried by a bicycle messenger, but in rich leather and with stainless steel components for connecting the over the shoulder carrying strap. Briefcases in this style may or may not have exterior pockets.
The easiest mistake to make when buying this style of the briefcase is choosing a briefcase that is too small. The laptop-compatible leather briefcase that works for your MacBook may not be wide enough for you 17-inch Toshiba to fit.
Recommended Laptop-Compatible Leather Briefcase
- Material: 1. the leather: this Mens briefcase is made of 100% full grain leather. 2 . the zipper: We use only YKK zippers to ensure quality and reliability. 3. the Hardware: we use the one-time casting shaping, not splicing workmanship, we can ensure its durable for long time . 4. the lining: made of soft cotton cloth.
- Dimension: 16.2*12.0*3.0inches (41.5*30.5*7.5cm), perfect for 14" laptop. this mens briefcase Handmade using traditional techniques, Sturdy top handle, Shoulder strap is adjustable and removeable, take it as laptop Briefcase, Daily work bag, Shoulder bag or Messenger bag.
- Structure: 1* main pocket, 1* front zipper pocket (a multi-function storage area for A4 papers, pens, cards, key, phone, wallet, ect.), 1* inner zipper pocket, 1* padded laptop compartment. Fit A4 documents, business cards, conference file, notebook, pens, etc.
- Smart Sleeve Design--The laptop bag have a leather strap on the back, can be easily hung on trolley case or trolley of airport, be sure it's safe, won't fall off.
- Guarantee: 100% money back if you are unsatisfied with our briefcase for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Briefcases for Lawyers
Q. Are there differences in briefcases for men and women in the legal profession?
A. Traditionally, women’s briefcases were rounded and roomier and men’s briefcases were more angular and smaller. Modern fashion trends are toward a unisex professional appearance and most briefcases are suitable for either men or women.
Q. What is the best color for a lawyer’s briefcase?
A. Any color you choose for your briefcase should coordinate with the clothes and shoes you wear. Black is easier for coordinating with most wardrobes.
Q. What are the most important considerations in choosing a briefcase that will accommodate a laptop?
A. The priority in choosing a briefcase for your laptop is making sure the briefcase is large enough that your laptop will it. Most briefcases are large enough for a 14-inch laptop, but they may not have much room left over for paperwork, stationery, business cards, a charger, and other devices. If you are taking your laptop on longer trips, you need a larger bag.
Another consideration is the security of your laptop. You will want a briefcase that locks, and additional padding to the sides and bottom of your briefcase to prevent damage to the computer within.
Q. I really need a strap for my briefcase. Are there any additional considerations for choosing a briefcase with a carrying strap?
A. Make sure that your briefcase has a top handle. You don’t want to use the strap for your briefcase in professional settings, but you also don’t want to cradle it like a football because you don’t have a top handle. The absence of a top handle should be a deal-breaker.
Additionally, it is important never to buy a briefcase that has painted hardware for clipping on the strap. Paint can chip.
