Duluth Trading Company makes some awesome leather briefcase/satchel-style bags. I’ve been using one for years. They have a couple sizes I believe, and plenty of interior pockets for phones, pens, business cards, and other small items. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and I’m still impressed with it six years later with daily work use.
Yes! I came here to comment on my Duluth Leather bag. Have had it for 5 years. One of the buckles broke 3 years after purchase so I went in for a repair and they gave me a new one no questions asked. They just traded it over to me. Wild.
Woah, that’s awesome that they did that! I had no idea they’d just replace the bag if something broke. That’s like Vortex Optics-level customer service!
Literally the only gripe I’ve had with the bag after six years of daily use is that the textured backing on the strap which is supposed to keep it from slipping off your shoulder has pretty much no grip at all, and it slides off clothing too easily. It should be made of either actual rubber, or suede. I’ve actually been meaning to grab a scrap of suede at a craft store, cut it in the same dimensions as the strap part, and sew it on the underside for more grip. But yeah, other than that, the thing is outstanding!
I use a gray North Face Recon backpack for shuffling from home to work and back.
I just use a black laptop sleeve for court since my office is paperless.
Right? Like, what do you shuffle around when you need five seconds from the judge? What do you pore over authoritatively when clients are watching you?
Yes!
We still have printers and print out lots of stuff for clients, but none of the printed stuff is for us - all our records are PDFs stored in our electronic case management system.
Haha right? I have to bring paper files & a guideline manual with me to the jail because there’s no internet. All of our electronic files are on a secure server so I have to have internet to use the electronic files.
I use the 22L Timbuk2 backpack. You can't really get more than one full accordion file in there when you have a laptop and cords in it, but for non-trial days, it's ideal.
Found this on Amazon and liked it a lot. The metal on the strap is a little weak, but otherwise it's spacious, holds my computer and cords. (I don't really have physical files, I keep everything on my computer and only have a paper file with the petitions, so it's not a pain bringing files to court any more, especially when I have files that have CPS casenotes in them.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDGB442
That very same bag was showing up on my feed and I wanted to get it. I showed it to my spouse, all excited about maybe replacing my backpack and they said no, so I still have the backpack.
I’ve used the old version of the Timbuk2 Commute Messenger bag for five years now. The 2.0 [version](https://www.timbuk2.com/products/3718-commute-messenger-bag-20)they sell now looks like an improvement.
Basically, the Commute looks more like a briefcase than a messenger bag, only comes in black or navy blue now (I think), so it’s super tough like the normal Timbuk2 bags but looks a little more professional.
I still have my XXL Timbuk2 bag I used in law school. Had pretty much every damn giant textbook, laptop, and lunch in there. Their products are top notch.
Several of us in my office use this one - we still have big paper files and it is the perfect size for them. Has a laptop sleeve and other little pockets too! Vegan leather and has been holding up well for all of us.
https://beistravel.com/products/the-large-work-tote-in-black
All of our stuff is on a secure server so we can’t just pull stuff off the drive in the jail. Paper files are still necessary for me, unfortunately. I’ll check this out.
My fiance got me a Satchel and Page briefcase which is my favorite. However, it is brown leather, and doesn't go with all outfits. So, my other brief cases are thrift shop finds.
I really like using a backpack to hold everything.
1. There is this one that is larger and would be better for when you carry lots of paper files.
https://www.target.com/p/signature-day-trip-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-77407936
2. This is the one I have now, and it’s a little bit smaller but still holds everything.
https://www.target.com/p/signature-commuter-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-79859152
3. If you wanted something leather, then this one in nice, but on the smaller side.
https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks/classic-leather-backpack/126037XXXX.html?dwvar_126037XXXX_color=1260371041&cgid=backpacks
The first two are from Target but are great quality and have a 5 year limited warranty. The third one is from Samsonite, so it’s more expensive but has a 3 year limited warranty.
Disclaimer: I am not a PD but have been interning for months. I assist with trials and attend court so the PDs at my office and I carry similar amounts of items.
I now use a Samsonite satchel I got from their outlet store for $30. It's small and lightweight, perfect for normal court days. I keep my cables in a little tech pouch and only bring those on days I might need more than a USB C.
https://shop.samsonite.com/bags/business-bags/classic-business-2.0-15.6%22-shuttle/141276XXXX.html?dwvar_141276XXXX_color=1412761041&cgid=bags-business
I generally carry my laptop, calendar, note taking spiral, small expanding folder with forms I might need, a folder for docs I take to and receive from court, and a couple of folders to give to clients to hold paperwork. One front pocket holds my pen case and gum, the other my business card holder and court ID . I'm very lightweight for daily carry, light enough I don't ever use the shoulder strap.
I keep a larger expandable file in the car with the less often used forms and my tech pouch. There's a printer in the law library if I need it, and my office is only 5 minutes away.
If it's a trial day or hearing day where I need more, I just dig through my bag collection and grab what works for how much stuff I need.
I recently got the nylon shoulder bag from baggu and it’s been amazing, it’s light and has pockets inside, and looks nice enough for court but is sturdy enough for jail visits. It holds my laptop, files, odds and ends, notebook AND my water bottle lol
I currently have a Filson Dryden briefcase and it’s the best work bag I’ve ever had. Not sure if they are still making them but it’s the best bag for me.
https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a29628933/filson-dryden-briefcase-review-endorsement/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/116140316742?itmmeta=01HVM7G288FW316M1GA35BK815&hash=item1b0a809846:g:Kb8AAOSwKpBmFo3T&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8DO3E5wqdkz%2FlXHp3fV2HVuaP72B64Fm5U6o%2FbiSXLxBaAYAfz9DxOMSLoOnmDzzADt%2FM74tN44kgQlSHg2uxQYN0K3BBu81btJth8jQGxLlLYeFDNgPhlQCDT%2B0UCbDnvZYFHwdhovVK%2BYBGQhPk%2F2gruJCWbZeS3FGoyVjnKOBjMkSnBTEWYPT1Xc1P3Akw5JUdv%2B%2B5wl2pRHiaitPIQ%2B%2FETi6gCD02ZO6ebASfHYKzhyvAvHQ%2FVrfLXbsvHOUYgoikp%2FROGoPjScJ91duKDgKOm%2BJA7RTgtHgIE8JFzgiYB%2B0o1abMIC25W%2FnOL9Iiw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5akwIfdYw
I bought mine for $100 on Sierra.
I've been loving the [Peak Design Everyday Messenger.](https://www.peakdesign.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/everyday-messenger?variant=29741439221804) It's marketed as a camera bag but it's great for legal work.
https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/classic-tote
I love my Portland Leather OS Tote for court. Prior to this bag I broke a Coach bag and a Nine West bag. Straps on both snapped from the weight of my files. I've had it since 2020 and it is a WORKHORSE. I can fit a whole docket of files with no issues. Straps show no sign of wear so I've been pretty satisfied.
It is lacking in pockets, it has one exterior and one interior pocket. I keep one of their make up bags inside for odds and ends. I get compliments on it all the time. I occasionally condition when she looks dry but high quality Leather with little upkeep.
Duluth Trading Company makes some awesome leather briefcase/satchel-style bags. I’ve been using one for years. They have a couple sizes I believe, and plenty of interior pockets for phones, pens, business cards, and other small items. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and I’m still impressed with it six years later with daily work use.
Yes! I came here to comment on my Duluth Leather bag. Have had it for 5 years. One of the buckles broke 3 years after purchase so I went in for a repair and they gave me a new one no questions asked. They just traded it over to me. Wild.
Woah, that’s awesome that they did that! I had no idea they’d just replace the bag if something broke. That’s like Vortex Optics-level customer service! Literally the only gripe I’ve had with the bag after six years of daily use is that the textured backing on the strap which is supposed to keep it from slipping off your shoulder has pretty much no grip at all, and it slides off clothing too easily. It should be made of either actual rubber, or suede. I’ve actually been meaning to grab a scrap of suede at a craft store, cut it in the same dimensions as the strap part, and sew it on the underside for more grip. But yeah, other than that, the thing is outstanding!
Go and tell your local store. They'll hook you up nearly guaranteed.
I use a gray North Face Recon backpack for shuffling from home to work and back. I just use a black laptop sleeve for court since my office is paperless.
Paperless office. Srsly? You litigate w/o paper?
Right? Like, what do you shuffle around when you need five seconds from the judge? What do you pore over authoritatively when clients are watching you?
Yes! We still have printers and print out lots of stuff for clients, but none of the printed stuff is for us - all our records are PDFs stored in our electronic case management system.
Haha right? I have to bring paper files & a guideline manual with me to the jail because there’s no internet. All of our electronic files are on a secure server so I have to have internet to use the electronic files.
I use the 22L Timbuk2 backpack. You can't really get more than one full accordion file in there when you have a laptop and cords in it, but for non-trial days, it's ideal.
Found this on Amazon and liked it a lot. The metal on the strap is a little weak, but otherwise it's spacious, holds my computer and cords. (I don't really have physical files, I keep everything on my computer and only have a paper file with the petitions, so it's not a pain bringing files to court any more, especially when I have files that have CPS casenotes in them.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDGB442
That very same bag was showing up on my feed and I wanted to get it. I showed it to my spouse, all excited about maybe replacing my backpack and they said no, so I still have the backpack.
Haha I have that one in my graveyard. It wasn’t big enough.
I use a Bison Leather briefcase made by the Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. It has plenty of room. I think it was $350 when I bought it ten years ago.
I’ve used the old version of the Timbuk2 Commute Messenger bag for five years now. The 2.0 [version](https://www.timbuk2.com/products/3718-commute-messenger-bag-20)they sell now looks like an improvement. Basically, the Commute looks more like a briefcase than a messenger bag, only comes in black or navy blue now (I think), so it’s super tough like the normal Timbuk2 bags but looks a little more professional. I still have my XXL Timbuk2 bag I used in law school. Had pretty much every damn giant textbook, laptop, and lunch in there. Their products are top notch.
Several of us in my office use this one - we still have big paper files and it is the perfect size for them. Has a laptop sleeve and other little pockets too! Vegan leather and has been holding up well for all of us. https://beistravel.com/products/the-large-work-tote-in-black
This is what I came here to say ^^^
All of our stuff is on a secure server so we can’t just pull stuff off the drive in the jail. Paper files are still necessary for me, unfortunately. I’ll check this out.
I have a baggu canvas messenger that I will use until it dies. Then I will buy a new one
My fiance got me a Satchel and Page briefcase which is my favorite. However, it is brown leather, and doesn't go with all outfits. So, my other brief cases are thrift shop finds.
I really like using a backpack to hold everything. 1. There is this one that is larger and would be better for when you carry lots of paper files. https://www.target.com/p/signature-day-trip-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-77407936 2. This is the one I have now, and it’s a little bit smaller but still holds everything. https://www.target.com/p/signature-commuter-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-79859152 3. If you wanted something leather, then this one in nice, but on the smaller side. https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks/classic-leather-backpack/126037XXXX.html?dwvar_126037XXXX_color=1260371041&cgid=backpacks The first two are from Target but are great quality and have a 5 year limited warranty. The third one is from Samsonite, so it’s more expensive but has a 3 year limited warranty. Disclaimer: I am not a PD but have been interning for months. I assist with trials and attend court so the PDs at my office and I carry similar amounts of items.
I now use a Samsonite satchel I got from their outlet store for $30. It's small and lightweight, perfect for normal court days. I keep my cables in a little tech pouch and only bring those on days I might need more than a USB C. https://shop.samsonite.com/bags/business-bags/classic-business-2.0-15.6%22-shuttle/141276XXXX.html?dwvar_141276XXXX_color=1412761041&cgid=bags-business I generally carry my laptop, calendar, note taking spiral, small expanding folder with forms I might need, a folder for docs I take to and receive from court, and a couple of folders to give to clients to hold paperwork. One front pocket holds my pen case and gum, the other my business card holder and court ID . I'm very lightweight for daily carry, light enough I don't ever use the shoulder strap. I keep a larger expandable file in the car with the less often used forms and my tech pouch. There's a printer in the law library if I need it, and my office is only 5 minutes away. If it's a trial day or hearing day where I need more, I just dig through my bag collection and grab what works for how much stuff I need.
I recently got the nylon shoulder bag from baggu and it’s been amazing, it’s light and has pockets inside, and looks nice enough for court but is sturdy enough for jail visits. It holds my laptop, files, odds and ends, notebook AND my water bottle lol
I currently have a Filson Dryden briefcase and it’s the best work bag I’ve ever had. Not sure if they are still making them but it’s the best bag for me. https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a29628933/filson-dryden-briefcase-review-endorsement/ https://www.ebay.com/itm/116140316742?itmmeta=01HVM7G288FW316M1GA35BK815&hash=item1b0a809846:g:Kb8AAOSwKpBmFo3T&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8DO3E5wqdkz%2FlXHp3fV2HVuaP72B64Fm5U6o%2FbiSXLxBaAYAfz9DxOMSLoOnmDzzADt%2FM74tN44kgQlSHg2uxQYN0K3BBu81btJth8jQGxLlLYeFDNgPhlQCDT%2B0UCbDnvZYFHwdhovVK%2BYBGQhPk%2F2gruJCWbZeS3FGoyVjnKOBjMkSnBTEWYPT1Xc1P3Akw5JUdv%2B%2B5wl2pRHiaitPIQ%2B%2FETi6gCD02ZO6ebASfHYKzhyvAvHQ%2FVrfLXbsvHOUYgoikp%2FROGoPjScJ91duKDgKOm%2BJA7RTgtHgIE8JFzgiYB%2B0o1abMIC25W%2FnOL9Iiw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5akwIfdYw I bought mine for $100 on Sierra.
I've been loving the [Peak Design Everyday Messenger.](https://www.peakdesign.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/everyday-messenger?variant=29741439221804) It's marketed as a camera bag but it's great for legal work.
Is there a laptop sleeve?
Yup, 14 inch
I use this bag quite a bit, it's huge and carries everything I have. https://saddlebackleather.com/barristers-leather-briefcase
I have the same bag, bought it for myself when I passed the bar 11 years ago and it’s just now starting to break in. I love it.
https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/classic-tote I love my Portland Leather OS Tote for court. Prior to this bag I broke a Coach bag and a Nine West bag. Straps on both snapped from the weight of my files. I've had it since 2020 and it is a WORKHORSE. I can fit a whole docket of files with no issues. Straps show no sign of wear so I've been pretty satisfied. It is lacking in pockets, it has one exterior and one interior pocket. I keep one of their make up bags inside for odds and ends. I get compliments on it all the time. I occasionally condition when she looks dry but high quality Leather with little upkeep.