Do law students use briefcases?

Asked by: Opal O'Hara  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)

Yes, law students often use briefcases or similar bags (like messenger bags, totes, or stylish backpacks) to carry heavy casebooks, laptops, and documents, though backpacks are common for comfort, while briefcases offer a more traditional, professional look for classes or clinics. The choice depends on personal preference, campus needs, and the desire to project a professional image, with modern options balancing style, durability, and practicality for carrying tech and texts.

Do I need a briefcase for law school?

The Law School Bag (and Locker)

A comfortable and well-organized backpack or briefcase is essential. It doesn't matter what brand or what it looks like, as long as you can trek around campus without hurting your back.

Do lawyers still use briefcases?

Do attorneys still carry briefcases? Yes, attorneys still carry briefcases! In the digital age, lawyers are using briefcases less frequently since they have fewer physical documents to take with them.

Does anyone use briefcases anymore?

Yes, people still use briefcases, but they've evolved from the traditional hard-shell style to more modern, softer leather bags, laptop bags, and versatile messenger/backpack hybrids, especially in corporate, legal, and executive roles where projecting authority or carrying documents is key, though backpacks are more common for general commuting.
 

Do female lawyers carry briefcases?

Quick answer: Yes, most lawyers will still carry a modern briefcase or similar bag, particularly when attending court or client meetings. Those variations include laptop bags, totes, and messenger bags, which should be made from leather if client-facing/when appearances matter.

Lawyer's and Briefcases

32 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

What is the B word for lawyer?

The "B word" for a lawyer, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, is Barrister, which refers to a specialist lawyer who argues cases in higher courts, distinct from a solicitor, though other terms like Attorney, Counsel, or even the pejorative "ambulance chaser" can be used, while "Esquire" (Esq.) is a title for any licensed lawyer in the U.S. 

What professions carry briefcases?

Professionals in finance and banking, including investment bankers, financial advisors, and accountants, often use briefcases. These professionals need to carry financial documents, contracts, and digital devices securely.

Are briefcases coming back?

Briefcases are making a comeback with a modern twist

For decades, the briefcase was an unspoken requirement for anyone who meant business. Then came the era of messenger bags, tech backpacks and “casual chic” and the briefcase was left gathering dust in the cupboard. But in 2025, things have changed.

What bags do lawyers carry?

The best bag for lawyers to carry is either a full-grain leather briefcase or structured tote bag with a laptop compartment. You can wear a leather backpack on your office commute, as long as it looks professional and you avoid taking it to court (that means no canvas backpacks).

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate. 

What is the hardest year of law school?

Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new teaching methods (Socratic/Case Method), intense reading/writing, and high-pressure environment designed to build foundational skills, though 2L brings different stressors like career planning and internships. 1L is a "bootcamp" for thinking like a lawyer with unfamiliar concepts and high stakes for grades, making the transition from undergraduate studies particularly challenging. 

What colors are not allowed in court?

Navy blue is an ideal choice for what to wear to court as a defendant. Dark gray is also a good option, as it denotes seriousness without the negativity of black. Individuals should stick with darker, more serious colors and avoid bright colors, intricate patterns, or any non-traditional fashion choices.

Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?

A 3.3 GPA isn't "bad" but makes getting into top-tier (T-14) law schools very difficult, as their median GPAs are much higher (around 3.7-3.9+), but it's often sufficient for mid-tier or lower-ranked schools, especially with a strong LSAT score, compelling personal statement, and relevant work experience, which can significantly boost your application by showing resilience and readiness. 

What is considered the hardest class in law school?

The hardest law school subjects vary, but Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Property are consistently cited as top contenders, especially in the first year, due to abstract concepts, complex rules, and interconnected details. Advanced courses like Federal Courts, Tax Law, and Evidence are also known for their difficulty, involving dense statutory interpretation, complex codes, and intricate rules.
 

What do first year law students need?

Law school supplies checklist: top 10 must-have items

  • Laptop. Almost everything is done electronically in law school—from note-taking to exams. ...
  • Laptop bag and backpack. ...
  • Highlighters, pens, and pencils. ...
  • Flash drive. ...
  • Day planner/agenda. ...
  • Bookstand. ...
  • Padfolio. ...
  • At least two interview outfits.

Why does nobody use briefcases anymore?

Why don't men carry briefcases anymore? Have they become relics of a bygone era and become obsolete? Many young professionals disregard them as outdated; instead, they go for stylish messenger bags and backpacks. Some people think they are heavy, particularly when carrying laptops and other gadgets.

Are briefcases still cool?

Despite shifts in office fashion and workplace trends, the leather briefcase continues to stand strong as a symbol of sophistication and practicality.

What is a woman's briefcase called?

A woman's briefcase isn't called something entirely different; it's still a briefcase, attache case, portfolio bag, or professional handbag, but often with softer lines, more colors, or decorative features, though a traditional, structured briefcase works for anyone, as do modern alternatives like a tote or structured satchel designed for work. The term depends on the style: a rigid, boxy one is an attache, while softer versions are often called structured totes, satchels, or simply work bags, says this article.
 

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

400 per hour jobs

  • Journeyman Electrician $36.28 - $43.19 per hour ** NO TRAVEL REQUIRED. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT FLEX. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights/Weekends. ...
  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights. ...
  • LPN Long Term Care (LTC) (Straight Nights) ...
  • LPN/RN LTC (PT Night)

Do professionals still use briefcases?

Yes, businessmen still carry briefcases, but the styles have evolved significantly, with modern versions often blending traditional form with backpack or messenger bag features, prioritizing functionality (laptop sleeves, organization) and comfort, though classic leather briefcases remain for formal roles like law and finance, while backpacks dominate casual commutes. While tech and casualization led to a decline, updated briefcases, messenger bags, and versatile laptop bags have replaced the old hard-shell styles for many professionals.
 

What jobs have to be kept secret?

9 Jobs for People Who Can Keep a Secret

  • Cyber Security Worker. What you'd do: The best protection for computer systems is a strong—and silent—defense. ...
  • Executive Assistant. ...
  • Housekeeper. ...
  • Lawyer. ...
  • Nuclear Plant Technician. ...
  • Physician. ...
  • Private Investigator. ...
  • Psychologist.

What is a derogatory name for a lawyer?

Shysters and Ambulance Chasers

More modern terms used to describe lawyers include terms like “shyster” and “ambulance chaser.” These derogatory terms come from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What is a new lawyer called?

In most law firms, as a new lawyer, you would be called an "associate." After some significant period of time, you would be eligible to become a "partner" in the law firm. Generally speaking, partners have an ownership interest in the law firm and collectively they act to manage the law firm.

Is an attorney more powerful than a lawyer?

An attorney has more specific authority than a general lawyer because an attorney is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court, while a lawyer, though educated in law, might not have passed the bar exam to gain that courtroom authority. It's not about "power" but legal authorization; all attorneys are lawyers (having law degrees), but not all lawyers are attorneys. For court appearances, you need an attorney; for legal advice or document prep, a lawyer might suffice.