The Wallet Shoppe
Why are we recommending rolling briefcases for lawyers? (Or “spinner briefcases” if you prefer?)
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 some of the best on the market, 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.
This briefcase is suitable as a carry on if flying is required (some pilots even use this as a regular travel case), and comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
Pros: Classic old-school looks, extremely practical for court,
Cons: Some people feel the locks are more for looks and not very strong
Solo Bryant Rolling Laptop Bag with Wheels
Built by a third-generation family business, this briefcase is travel friendly due to the carry-on size, easy-glide wheels, and push button telescoping handle that retracts into a zippered compartment if you choose to carry it. Strap a 15” computer into the padded laptop slot in the main compartment, which is spacious enough to also hold notebooks and binders.
The zippered accordion file keeps your files and documents organized and easy to access, while the front-zipper organizer had multiple pockets for pens, cards, your phone, and smaller items. The smaller front pocket keeps travel documents and essentials in easy reach. The five-year warranty guarantees that each bag will be free of defects.
Pros: People rave about how roomy this bag feels, the organization is excellent
Cons: Although advertised as holding a 17.3’ laptop, the general concensus is 15” is the maximum, the laptop pouch won’t close properly for larger laptops
Samsonite Mobile Solutions 2 Spinner Mobile Office
The familiar name of Samsonite had to be on this list somewhere. The Business One has been retired, and the Mobile Solutions 2 is what replaced it.
At 17 x 16 x 11 inches it’s carry-on sized, and it takes a laptop up to 15.6 inches in a padded sleeve alongside a padded tablet sleeve, with a file organiser section for documents and USB pass-through so you can charge from a power bank without opening the case.
Build is Samsonite’s usual business-bag standard: a structured shell, padded laptop and tablet sleeves, and a retractable handle that locks flat when you’re not pulling it.
It moved to four spinner wheels rather than the Business One’s two, which matters more than it sounds when you’re crossing a marble lobby with an armful of files.
Pros: Proper file organisation, four spinner wheels, USB pass-through
Cons: At 8.6 lbs empty it’s one of the heavier cases here before you put anything in it
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 15.4” 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 nine pounds, this is one of the heavier bags in 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.
Pros: Higher-end design than most, lots of extra capacity for business trips
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 high-end option if you want to make that subtle extra statement.
This beautiful professional leather case is durable and well-designed. It’s built from top-grain cowhide rather than the bonded leather a lot of “leather” cases use, and the vertical profile keeps its footprint small in a crowded elevator.
This roller bag features a retractable handle and smooth rolling wheels so it’s easy to maneuver. The flap top design opens to a spacious interior that holds paperwork, your laptop, and any other business essentials. While there are fewer internal compartments than some, there is a removable laptop sleeve for up to a 17” device and a separate compartment to organize documents and files.
The front zip-around organizer section includes pockets for your cell phone, keys, pens, business cards, and other small accessories. The two side pockets keep travel documents and frequently used items in easy reach.
Pros: True leather, sturdy with great looks
Cons: Real leather over a wheeled frame is never light — this is a case you roll, not one you carry far
Since lawyers tend to require a lot of actual paperwork (eventually everything will be signed electronically, but we’re still a long way from that), a rolling briefcase is worth it just to help protect your back.
Before You Go…
Taking care of your back matters here too, which is part of why a rolling case beats carrying everything by hand. Be sure to check out our related article: Are Messenger Bags Bad For Your Back?
Bonus Video!
FAQs
Do Professionals Still Use Briefcases?
Yes, many professionals still use briefcases to signal a level of competence and seriousness. There’s no question that presenting a professional image is key for a lawyer. You wouldn’t want to trust big issues in life to someone who came across as sloppy and disorganized
Why Is it Called A Briefcase?
The name derives from the court documents known as ‘briefs’. The name comes from the first cases used to carry the documents to court, although the term is now used for any professional’s case
What Is The Difference Between An Attache Case And A Briefcase?
An attache case is a rectangular, hard-sided case that is hinged at the bottom to open. Essentially it is a specific type of briefcase, originally named after the cases carried by French administrators (attaches)
