The Best Bags for Law School Students
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Readers who've been to law school recently: what kind of bag did you carry? Did you change from 1L to 3L year? What do you think are the best bags for law school? We asked Nicole, our law school / new lawyer correspondent… – Kat
Like everything in law, the type of bags students use in law school “depends.” In this case, what students use depends on the location of the school and the average age of the students. The younger the median age of the students, the more likely they will carry backpacks. In major cities, students are also more likely to carry messenger bags or purses than more typical “undergrad” type backpacks.
By googling “X law school class profile,” you can usually get an idea of the median age of the most recent law school class and how many students are going straight from undergrad to law school. The higher the percentage of students going straight to law school, the more likely students will be carrying backpacks!
In my experience, most students carry backpacks and do not carry briefcases to class unless they are doing a clinic or an externship and have to go to court or something right before or after class.
No matter where your law school is located or how old the students are, I’ve put together a list of bags and backpacks that are stylish and functional for law school!
{related: the best law school resources for women}
The Best Bags for Law School Students
The Best Backpacks for Law School
Many younger law students just bring their backpacks from undergrad to law school, and this North Face backpack is a classic example. It can handle law school books, and my friends that had this backpack were happy with their investment because it lasted them seven years!
Another backpack students typically brought from undergrad is the JanSport backpack. In addition, some students brought Herschel backpacks (available at Amazon and Backcountry.com), which looked nicer.
When looking for backpacks, make sure to get something sturdy. But remember you will probably have a locker, so the backpack doesn’t have to be able to hold all of your books at one time (and I would recommend not doing that — your back will thank you)!
Upgrades: The Best Work Backpacks
If your college backpack is looking pretty beat up, you could always go for a more professional-looking backpack — that would serve you well during internships and travel, as well as during school. Some of our latest favorites include these:
Update: Hunting for the best work backpacks? Some of our favorites in 2024 are below — see the full post for all the details!
The Best Messenger Bags and Tote Bags for Law School Students
Satchels/messenger bags and purses are going to be harder to carry law school textbooks and your laptop in. You are definitely going to have to rely on your locker or be very forward-thinking about exactly which textbooks you need that day. Even one law school textbook can really weigh you down (looking at you, Con Law)!
For tote bags, you can’t go wrong with a classic Longchamp or a Tory Burch tote. Madewell also makes a nice transport tote.
For messenger bags, I would recommend a messenger bag like this one from Matt & Nat or this bag from Kenneth Cole. Messenger bags are good if you’re going to law school in a major city because they’re easy to both navigate public transportation and transition from school to work/networking settings. However, I also think a backpack would be fine!
The Best Work Totes for Law School Students
These are also great for interviews — here are all of on-campus interview tips and resources!
Some of the best work bags for women as of 2025 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch, Lo & Sons, and Madewell (north/south). Also try this highly-rated organizing insert or these clever pouches with some of the less structured bags! If you're looking for a budget tote (or one in a specific color) check this Amazon seller (22K+ good reviews) or this Amazon seller (60K+ good reviews).
(Looking for a luxury work bag? Here's our latest roundup…)
Readers, what were/are your favorite bags for law school? Did/do you use a backpack, tote bag, messenger bag, or something else?
Psst — check out all of our must-have school supplies for law school; some of the more random things are below (see the post for the fuller explanations!):
Stock photo via Deposit Photos / tonodiaz.
I used an LL Bean tote.
I’m begging law students not to buy things they don’t actually need if they are already borrowing money from school. A bag should be at the very bottom of that list.
FWIW, my 27-y-o non-binary kid who is a 3L has been using a Chrome rolltop backpack for years – to work, camping, law school (usually commuting on a motorcycle); they love it, and it still looks great.
Nearly two decades out & my advice to law students — Don’t spend money on law school things unless you are paying for school with cash (aka no loans) or need something and can’t borrow it. Interview suit, yes. Fancy bag, no. Basic pumps, yes. Anything luxury? Wait until you get you first paycheck.