The Wallet Shoppe
Why are we recommending rolling briefcases for lawyers? (Or “spinner briefcases” if you prefer: spinners have four wheels that turn in any direction, while two-wheel cases tilt and pull.)
It’s tough to be a lawyer on the run, but is there any other kind? You need a briefcase that can carry the following items…and carry them easily:
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Laptop
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Phone
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Files
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Briefs
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Motions
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Reference materials
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Personal items
You’re running from your office to court, then to meet with your next client, then back to court for another hearing, then back to the office, then you have a few things to review at home.
When you have to carry a lot with you and still maintain a professional legal image, a rolling briefcase is the way to go! Read on for our round-up of the best rolling briefcases for lawyers on the go!
Rolling Briefcases for Lawyers - The List
Here are six of the best, to keep you organized and prepared no matter where life takes you! The full details are after the table, but those who just want the facts (ma’am), here we go:
Alpine Swiss Rolling 17” Laptop Briefcase
Every lawyer who’s been around the block a few times will recognize this classic look.
This durable and practical briefcase has a sturdy hard-sided frame, riveted attachments for the telescopic rolling handle and carrying top handle, and smooth in-line skate wheels. The main compartment has a divided folder and padded laptop sleeve with securing strap which holds up to a 17” computer.
There is an organizer that includes card slot, pen slots, and a small zipper pocket. The flap-over closure has dual combination locks to keep your items secure. The front pocket has a button latch for easy access and expands 2 inches. The side pockets help keep small items in easy reach.
Alpine Swiss lists 19 × 14 × 9 inches outside, legal-size file space and a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros: Classic old-school looks, file space and easy access in court
Cons: Some people feel the locks are more for looks than security, so keep sensitive files with you
Solo Bryant Rolling Laptop Bag with Wheels
Solo’s Bryant has a padded compartment advertised for a laptop up to 17.3 inches, a zippered accordion file section, front organizers and a telescoping handle that stows in a zippered compartment.
Owner Jay S. liked carrying two laptops and work gear without wearing a backpack. Owner Nancy B. liked the layout but reported rough wheel wear on two successive bags.
Pros: Useful file organization and generous business storage
Cons: The wheels can wear, though it’s backed by a five-year limited warranty
Samsonite Mobile Solutions 2 Spinner Mobile Office
The familiar name of Samsonite had to be on this list somewhere. The linked Mobile Solutions 2 is a spinner mobile office, with a padded laptop sleeve, file pockets and compression straps. Its front organizer adds a padded tablet sleeve for most 11-inch tablets, stash pockets, card slots and pen sleeves.
The USB pass-through lets you route power from a separate power bank; no battery is included. A five-step handle and StackIt strap help when moving the bag alone or attaching it to another suitcase.
Pros: Spinner wheels, file organization and USB pass-through
Cons: Spinner wheels still need lifting on stairs
Wenger Luggage Patriot Rolling 2-Piece Business Set
If overnights are a big part of your business life, this may be a great option.
The highlight to this bag is the removable matching slim case that holds up to a 15.6” laptop. It also features lockable zippers for added security. This case can be used in the rolling bag, or removed and carried on its own if you only need your laptop, or used with the rolling case if you need the added device (the main case has a padded laptop compartment that holds up to a 17” computer as well).
There is a fan-file compartment for keeping documents in order. Plus, there’s an organizer compartment for pens, business cards, and any other small essentials.
The large overnight compartment can hold clothes or larger business items. The ergonomic trolley handle and easy-glide wheels ensure smooth transport, and the quick-access top pocket means you’ll have anything you need — phone, ID, money, etc. — readily available while traveling.
Pros: The combined attachable case makes this expandable as needed
Cons: Weighing in at about nine pounds empty, this is one of the heavier bags on the list
Everki Journey Laptop Trolley
Everki is a California-based manufacturer that makes well-designed lifestyle products built to carry and protect digital gear. So how does this premium-priced bag measure up?
In short, it measures up well.
This rolling briefcase features a self-contained clothing compartment, which holds enough clothes and toiletries for a 2-day business trip, yet is completely separate from the business side.
The laptop compartment is adjustable so you can carry an 11-inch to 16-inch computer safely and securely (there is a felt-lined tablet pocket as well.)
The partitioned file organizer keeps documents safely secure, while the magnetic quick-access pocket allows you to organize smaller items. The external water-bottle pocket and quick-access newspaper/magazine slot add to the convenience. At the same time, the lightweight construction and low-profile wheels provide a smooth and quiet ride.
EVERKI lists 27L, 14.6 × 16.1 × 7.9 inches and 6.4 pounds empty. Owner George H. liked the interior but found the rolling handle too short for his six-foot height and the bag deep for some under-seat spaces.
Pros: Separate clothing compartment and adjustable laptop storage
Cons: May be overkill if you only need a legal rolling briefcase, not a travel-capable one
McKlein Edgebrook Leather Wheeled Case
And finally, this is the leather option if you want to make that subtle extra statement. The linked Edgebrook 9631 has a built-in padded compartment for a laptop up to 15 inches. Its listed laptop space is 14.5 × 2 × 10 inches.
The cowhide case includes a key-lock front pocket, a smaller turn-lock pocket, a divided interior with a secured zipper pocket, tablet storage and a luggage-attachment strap. The stated exterior size is 17 × 6 × 13.5 inches, with an empty weight of 6.6 pounds.
Pros: Leather appearance, divided storage and useful front pockets
Cons: Fifteen-inch laptop limit, and leather adds weight on the stairs
Rolling Briefcases For Lawyers - Wrap Up
There’s no question that presenting a professional image is key for a lawyer. You wouldn’t want to trust the big issues in life to someone who came across as sloppy and disorganized. And since lawyers still carry a lot of actual paperwork (everything will be signed electronically eventually, but we’re not there yet), a rolling briefcase saves your back too.
Any one of these options will help you stay organized and professional on the go. But there can only be one “best”, so here we go: the Alpine Swiss. It’s sturdy and well-designed, with the classic lawyer’s rolling briefcase look, and it’s the best all-rounder here.
Before You Go…
Hopefully you found something you liked in our collection above! Clearly it’s important to take care of your back, which is why rolling cases are great for carrying bulky legal documents. But it doesn’t stop there! Be sure to check out our next article: Are Messenger Bags Bad For Your Back?
Bonus Video!
FAQs
Do Professionals Still Use Briefcases?
Yes, many professionals still use briefcases to keep devices and documents together, and to signal a level of competence and seriousness.
Why Is it Called A Briefcase?
The name combines ‘brief’ and ‘case’: a case for papers, including legal briefs. A briefcase is now used for carrying many kinds of business documents.
What Is The Difference Between An Attache Case And A Briefcase?
An attaché case is a thin, suitcase-style document case, usually rigid with a hinged opening. The name comes from the diplomatic role of an attaché. ‘Briefcase’ is the broader term.
