If you’re a younger legal professional, you may have found yourself using a messenger bag rather than a briefcase over the years.
However, the briefcase remains the number one method for transporting essentials if you’re a lawyer.
The leather briefcase plays a pivotal role in the life of a lawyer. It can heavily influence the way that others see you, and this is why it’s important to choose carefully when you are looking for a briefcase.
It’s also essential that your briefcase is durable enough to stand up to heavy use, given that it will come into contact with a host of objects over the working day.
Your briefcase needs to be manufactured from high-quality materials if it is to stand up to everyday use.
Our top picks:
1 | ![]() | Best professional business travel briefcase. No.1 Briefcase |
2 | ![]() | Best for a modern leather laptop briefcase. Essential Briefcase |
3 | ![]() | Best for a 17-inch leather laptop travel bag. City Large Laptop Bag |
Best Briefcases for Lawyers 2023
No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase
Best for making a bold statement in the boardroom with the sleek and sophisticated No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase.
No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches |
Interior Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Security | Locking feature for unattended safety |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Engraving | Option to personalize with engravings |
Shoulder Strap | Padded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable |
Personalized | Custom engraving options available for a unique touch |
Usage | Ideal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel |
Watch the No.1 product video below:
Browse more images of the No.1:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Classic and stylish design | |
Suitable for both professional and casual use |
Essential Modern Briefcase
Best for the modern professional who needs to carry their laptop and documents in style and comfort.
Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | Essential Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 31 cm (12 in) |
Depth | 10 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.3 kg (0.6 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Essential product video below:
Browse more images of the Essential:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Modern and stylish design | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Spacious and versatile | |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
City Large Leather Laptop Bag
Best for the stylish professional who needs to carry a laptop and documents to business meetings in a sleek and sophisticated way.
City Large Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
Product | City Large Laptop Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 17 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 45 cm (18 in) |
Height | 34 cm (13 in) |
Depth | 8 cm (3 in) |
Weight | 1.6 kg (0.7 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the City Large product video below:
Browse more images of the City Large:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
No.2 Leather Messenger Briefcase
Best for the modern professional who wants to make a statement. The No. 2 Leather Messenger Briefcase exudes confidence and sophistication in any business setting.
No.2 Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | No.2 Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 30 cm (12 in) |
Depth | 11 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.55 kg (0.7 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the No.2 product video below:
Browse more images of the No.2:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Stylish and professional design | |
Suitable for both commuting and business use | |
Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort |
No.3 Leather Messenger Briefcase
Best for the modern professional who wants to make a statement. The No. 3 Leather Messenger Briefcase exudes confidence and sophistication in any business setting.
No.3 Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | No.3 Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 13 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 38 cm (15 in) |
Height | 30 cm (12 in) |
Depth | 9 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.5 kg (0.7 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the No.3 product video below:
Browse more images of the No.3:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and professional design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Suitable for work, school, and travel |
Grand Leather Garment Bag
Best for impressing clients with a sleek, professional appearance while carrying suits and dress shirts - the Grand Leather Garment Bag.
Material | Certified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather |
Garment Duffel Bag | Carry your suit in style and without creases |
Interior Lining | Durable Italian Cotton Lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK Zipper |
Carry-On Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Capacity | Can fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop |
Suit Carrier | Attached to the travel bag |
Personalized | It can be personalized with a custom laser engraving |
Watch the Grand product video below:
Browse more images of the Grand:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and elegant design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories | |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments | |
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport |
Weekender Men's Leather Weekend Bag
Effortlessly stylish and spacious, the Weekender leather bag is perfect for business trips and weekend getaways.
Weekender Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Compliance | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen |
Additional Features | Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware |
Personalized | Option for custom laser engraving |
Use Cases | Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Watch the Weekender product video below:
Browse more images of the Weekender:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays |
Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase
Best for impressing clients with a sleek, professional look while carrying your laptop and documents - the Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Bag.
Exquisite Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | Exquisite Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 29 cm (11 in) |
Depth | 10 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.1 kg (0.5 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Exquisite product video below:
Browse more images of the Exquisite:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Sleek and sophisticated appearance | Not completely waterproof |
Slim design for easy portability | Limited storage space compared to larger bags |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Perfect for both casual and professional use | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Sufficient storage for laptop and essentials |
Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag
Best for impressing clients with a sleek and professional look - the Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag is the perfect accessory for business meetings.
Elegant Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | Elegant Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 30 cm (12 in) |
Depth | 8 cm (3 in) |
Weight | 1.1 kg (0.5 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Elegant product video below:
Browse more images of the Elegant:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Slim and compact design | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Elegant and professional appearance | |
Fits most laptops up to 15.6 inches | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag
Best for the stylish professional on the go - the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag exudes sophistication and functionality for work travel and daily commutes.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
Browse more images of the 10X:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches | |
Designed for easy travel and convenience | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
City Leather Laptop Bag
Best for impressing clients at business meetings with its sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptop and documents - Business City Leather Laptop Bag.
City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Color Options | Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red |
Laptop Compatibility | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop |
Inner Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Design | Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials |
Adjustable Strap | Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap |
Inner Pockets | Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining |
Compartments & Pockets | 1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket |
Personalized | Option to personalize with initials or a special message. |
Watch the City product video below:
Browse more images of the City:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space and compartments | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain |
Prime Women's Leather Backpack
Best for carrying work essentials in style with a touch of ruggedness - The Prime Leather Backpack.
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Quality Assurance | Comes with a certificate of leather origin |
Manufacturing | Made in Florence, Italy |
Interior Lining | Fine Italian cotton lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zippers |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Laptop Sleeve | Dedicated sleeve for up to a 14" laptop |
Carry-on Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Personalized | Personalize this backpack with a laser engraving, perfect as a gift |
Color Options | Solid brown, classic tan, deep red, elegant black |
Watch the Prime product video below:
Browse more images of the Prime:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and versatile design | Not waterproof |
Multiple compartments for organization | Not ideal for carrying extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to wear | |
Durable and long-lasting | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Can be easily cleaned and maintained |
Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels
Best for effortless business travel with style - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.
Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:
Color Options | Available in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more |
Laptop Sleeve | Includes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Material | Handmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather |
Convenience Features | Smooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket |
Zipper Quality | High-quality Japanese YKK zippers |
Sustainability | Crafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities |
Origin Certificate | Comes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin |
Travel-Friendly | Carry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials |
Additional Features | Luggage tag included for easy identification |
Watch the Voyager product video below:
Browse more images of the Voyager:

Albert says:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and refined appearance | Not completely waterproof |
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility | Not ideal for extremely rough terrain |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Perfect for business or personal travel |
What is the most traditional kind of briefcase for a lawyer?
Lawyers have traditionally used expandable, leather calf-skin briefcases. These typically have a single thick leather handle as well as metal hardware which is traditionally brass. Over the years, production techniques have evolved, and there are scores of exciting iterations to choose from. Options that you may be interested in include shoulder strapped bags, two-wheeled bags and four-wheeled bags.
Benefits of a Briefcase
There are many great reasons for investing in a briefcase even in the 2020s. Lawyers tend to deal with people on a face-to-face basis much more regularly than people working in various other sectors. This is why aesthetics are still essential if you’re a lawyer keen to make a good impression. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of using a briefcase if you’re a legal professional right now.
Efficiency
Briefcases are ideal for pragmatic types seeking something that will serve a range of purposes. They are ideal for transporting various types of materials including physical documents and electronic devices. The best briefcases fuse sturdiness with lightweight design and make it easier for legal professionals to merge their personal and professional lives. Finding the right briefcase for your needs and preferences can take time, but once you have invested enough hours in sourcing something suitable, you’re unlikely to regret your decision.
Professionalism
A quality briefcase gives you the chance to appear professional within a wide range of environments. These can include your client’s office, the courthouse and outdoor environments.
Choosing the right briefcase for your needs can be a professional and personal process. Over the years, various other options have materialized, yet the briefcase still beats many other methods of transporting your documents and devices. Briefcases offer a timeless sense of elegance and show no signs of falling out of favor.
Make the right first impression
It’s important to make a good first impression no matter which industry you’re based in, but it’s particularly essential to do so if you work in the legal sector. A professional appearance enables you to appear dependable and trustworthy. If a client first encounters you whilst you’re simply holding a pen and paper, you’re unlikely to make such a great impression than you would if you were armed with a briefcase.
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- Best Leather Messenger Bags for Men
Types of Briefcases
The standard briefcase typically consists of a spacious interior with a few pockets and sections and a cover flap to protect its contents. It will either feature a handle or something similar that will allow you to transport it with ease. Aside from the standard, basic briefcase, there are several other options available to you. Let’s take a closer look at some of these right now.
Modern Leather Briefcases
Modern leather briefcases tend to be soft sided, with two handles on the top of the case, allowing you to carry it by your side.
They are professional, and practical, with most being able to carry a laptop or tablet as well as essential papers.
Messenger Briefcases
The messenger is perhaps the most casual option available to you. It normally has a long strap rather than a handle. Messenger bags are incredibly portable and allow you to transport items including books, laptops and documents. This kind of bag normally has a top cover that you can flip open to use various spacious dividers. These are great for organizing and protecting a large number of documents. If you spend a lot of time walking around and carry a diverse range of materials around with you, this could be what you require. However, if you’re particularly concerned about maintaining a professional appearance, it may be best to opt for one of the sleeker products on the market.
Related:
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- Fashion Advice for New Lawyers
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- Litigator Briefcases
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- CEO's Guide to Corporate Fashion
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- How to Organise Your Work Bag
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- Best Carry-on Luggage
- Best Briefcases for Men
- Women's Designer Briefcases
Travel Briefcases
If you regularly head out on work trips, you may need access to a travel briefcase. These are often referred to as ‘rolling’ briefcases. The purpose of this kind of briefcase is to help you transport items like laptops, documents and a few items of clothing when you’re away on business. These briefcases have wheels and a long handle to make transportation a breeze.
Padfolio
The padfolio is similar to the portfolio and is one of the simplest types of briefcase available to you. Padfolios typically come in two sizes, which are letter and legal size. You can hold various kinds of items in a padfolio, and these include business cards, post-it notes, pens and notepads. If you need to transport other, bigger items with you, it may be best to assess your other options. The padfolio is best suited for office meetings and lawyers who don’t need to carry too much around with them.
Portfolio
Standard portfolios are also ideal for those seeking something simple. One of the key differences between portfolios and padfolios is that they offer extra portability. Some modern portfolios have handles on their sides, and they also come with zips. You may be able to fit a little more documentation in a portfolio, and they tend to be sturdier than padfolios. If you’re a lawyer who gets around a lot and isn’t interested in obtaining something heavier, a portfolio might be for you. Just remember that you are limited in terms of how much documentation you can carry around in a portfolio.
Attache Cases
When people think about standard business briefcases, they often have images of attachés on their minds. This is widely regarded as the business world gold standard. This kind of bag normally opens in the centre and has a large compartment on one side and a host of pockets for devices and other small items. If you need to transport a large amount of documentation around you regularly and need easy access to business cards and pens, this could be the most suitable option for you.
Briefcase vs Attache
The main difference between an attaché and a briefcase is that the latter opens up into one major compartment. The vast majority of briefcases are manufactured from leather. They are normally bulkier too.
Are briefcases still popular?
Briefcases remain more popular in the legal world than you might think. Many lawyers are still using briefcases in order to maintain a professional appearance and get all the functionality that they need. The briefcase may have changed over the years, but their functionality has ensured they remain extremely popular.
How wide should my briefcase be?
What’s right for one lawyer isn’t always the best match for another. However, it’s common for legal professionals to opt for briefcases that are between 15 – 16.5 inches wide, 11 – 13 inches high and 4 – 6 inches deep.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best briefcases for lawyers.
If you have any questions or comments, contact us at info@vonbaer.com, or leave them in the comments.
Want to read more? Check out our Work pages here, and our Leather pages here.
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