Briefcase for SA/Biglaw? Forum

[Emma.]

Is it important to have one or do people get away with messenger bags?

Any recommendations if I wanted to buy someone a nice (under $1,500) bag that they could use after graduation as well ? Is a lock totally essential?

Do people actually have those old-school hard rectangular cases, or do most people use a flap type case like this?:
--ImageRemoved--

[vanwinkle]

[Emma.]

[dakatz]

$1,500!!? You gone and made me spit Coke all over my computer screen. Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

[Emma.]

$1,500!!? You gone and made me spit Coke all over my computer screen. Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I'd definitely prefer to keep it under $1,500!! It just seems like the going rate for something nice that will last is over $1K. I don't think I live in a different world (I qualify for Perkins loans!) but this would be a Big Deal gift.

[dakatz]

$1,500!!? You gone and made me spit Coke all over my computer screen. Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I'd definitely prefer to keep it under $1,500!! It just seems like the going rate for something nice that will last is over $1K. I don't think I live in a different world (I qualify for Perkins loans!) but this would be a Big Deal gift.

I don't think its true that the going rate for a durable and stylish bag/briefcase is over 1000K. I've walked past the window of high-end luxury-type stores and seen bags and briefcases in the window that are around 400-600. So I think you are overstating it a bit.

To answer your question, I see most guys with bags sort of like the one you posted, not the old-school rectangle types. I know someone who got a super high end briefcase bag after graduation, and I believe this was the brand he got:

http://www.jwhulmeco.com/laptop-briefcases-s/158.htm

Very pricey stuff, but certainly not 1,000 and up.

[Emma.]

$1,500!!? You gone and made me spit Coke all over my computer screen. Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I'd definitely prefer to keep it under $1,500!! It just seems like the going rate for something nice that will last is over $1K. I don't think I live in a different world (I qualify for Perkins loans!) but this would be a Big Deal gift.

I don't think its true that the going rate for a durable and stylish bag/briefcase is over 1000K. I've walked past the window of high-end luxury-type stores and seen bags and briefcases in the window that are around 400-600. So I think you are overstating it a bit.

Alright then... Hook me up with some advice!

Edit: Thanks! So a lock isn't essential then?

[Kohinoor]

This is why people don't pay for first years.

[Emma.]

This is why people don't pay for first years.

Whaaaa?

[Veyron]

Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I get the feeling that OP doesn't have much experience with money, hence the question.

Edit: Show up to your SA, discretely take a look at what the associates have. Purchase accordingly, making sure to keep your bag near the lowest end of the range. Its not like you are going to have to carry a ton of briefs on your first day.

[Emma.]

Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I get the feeling that OP doesn't have much experience with money, hence the question.

You might be surprised.

Definitely not much experience with briefcases though!

[Veyron]

Wow, some people just exist in a different world than me.

I get the feeling that OP doesn't have much experience with money, hence the question.

You might be surprised.

Definitely not much experience with briefcases though!

I qualify for Perkins loans

You've been scamming the federal government?

Anyway, for an answer to your question, see above.

[Emma.]

You've been scamming the federal government?

Anyway, for an answer to your question, see above.

Definitely no scamming. I'm not even sure how you could scam the loans besides outright lying on FAFSA?

That doesn't really answer my question. I don't need a briefcase, and I'm not working in an SA position this summer. Case would be for a gift.

Edit: I guess you could interpret "You might be surprised" and then the Perkins loan thing as me claiming to be both wealthy and poor, so I guess I get the question about scamming. I just meant I've been out of school for a while, supported myself financially with no help from family since I was 18, etc. Definitely not wealthy, but I know the value of a dollar or whatever.

[DoubleChecks]

piggybacking a bit, for SA then, is it okay to just have a professional-looking messenger bag? the whole briefcase convo has made me a bit unsure

[Veyron]

You've been scamming the federal government?

Anyway, for an answer to your question, see above.

Definitely no scamming. I'm not even sure how you could scam the loans besides outright lying on FAFSA?

That doesn't really answer my question. I don't need a briefcase, and I'm not working in an SA position this summer.

Case would be for a gift.

What can I do to get a $1,500 gift?!

[Emma.]

What can I do to get a $1,500 gift?!

I actually think being broke for almost all of my life has made me more inclined to generosity when I do have some cash.

[Emma.]

piggybacking a bit, for SA then, is it okay to just have a professional-looking messenger bag? the whole briefcase convo has made me a bit unsure

Veyron's advice about showing up and checking out what other people have is probably pretty sound in your case?

[Veyron]

-

[Objection]

Wtf do you need a briefcase for?

You'll just out yourself as a tool.

[Emma.]

Wtf do you need a briefcase for?

You'll just out yourself as a tool.

RC fail?

Briefcase isn't necessary for associates? I personally don't think backpacks or even most messenger bags really work for guys wearing suits.

[Objection]

Wtf do you need a briefcase for?

You'll just out yourself as a tool.

RC fail?

Briefcase isn't necessary for associates? I personally don't think backpacks or even most messenger bags really work for guys wearing suits.

The same goes for messenger bags and backpacks. As a summer, it's just not that serious.

[Noval]

Bro, just because you hit BigLaw doesn't mean you have to pay 1500$ for useless garbage that costs 5$ to create in China.
Try to keep costs as low as possible AND be stylish as well, remember that you got debts to pay back.

[Emma.]

The same goes for messenger bags and backpacks. As a summer, it's just not that serious.

Bro, just because you hit BigLaw doesn't mean you have to pay 1500$ for useless garbage that costs 5$ to create in China.
Try to keep costs as low as possible AND be stylish as well, remember that you got debts to pay back.

:sigh:

[03121202698008]

Is it important to have one or do people get away with messenger bags?

Any recommendations if I wanted to buy someone a nice (under $1,500) bag that they could use after graduation as well ? Is a lock totally essential?

Do people actually have those old-school hard rectangular cases, or do most people use a flap type case like this?:
--ImageRemoved--

Dude, I got a briefcase for <$200 at the BB Outlet that looks nearly identical to this one.

[Cupidity]

So the backpack is out?