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 Overall Best Work Backpack

Tumi Celina Backpack

$475 at Nordstrom

The Best Convertible Laptop Backpack

Lo & Sons Rowledge

$485 at Lo & Sons

The Best Affordable Backpack for Work

Samsonite Mobile Solutions Classic Backpack

$79 at Amazon

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 2024 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch (lightweight, a laptop tote), 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.

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What should you wear for professional headshots in 2022? We recently got this request from Reader G, who wondered what to wear for headshots at her law school:

Could you please make a post about what to wear for headshots/portraits? I have my first photo session as a law student coming up on February 19th and have no idea what the dos and don’ts are.

What a great question! We’ve talked about corporate headshots, how to work with a hair and makeup team for headshots at work, and glasses and the corporate headshot, but we haven’t discussed this topic in a while.

Here are some quick tips from me, but I’d love to hear what the readers advise: what to wear for headshots?

What to Wear for Headshots

Consider the impression you want to make. For example, this is probably not the time to try to “look intelligent” or “look sophisticated” — put your best wannabe model advice aside for the moment. I’ve always recommended for law firm headshots that people try to look “friendly and easygoing” (since it’s already presumed you’re smart and qualified) on the theory that people generally enjoy working with friendly and easygoing people.

Because Reader G is a law student, though, the advice changes a bit. If you want to eventually work in BigLaw or another Very Conservative Field, I would try to look open to being Very Conservative. So, for example, remove facial piercings, have hair that looks clean and intentional, and maybe have a nod to something conservative — a turtleneck, a crisp blouse with a collar, maybe even a jacket or sweater with a lapel. (For a look that’s Very, Very Conservative, maybe the old standard of a pearl necklace.)

Which brings me to my next point:

Consider what will be showing in the frame. Your shoes aren’t going to show, for example. I’m always struck by how classic crisp white blouses look — even if they’re a PITA to wear in the real world (too tough to keep white and crisp, gaping buttons, etc.), they look great for a static photo. The white reflects light onto your face, and they look fabulous on almost everyone. Consider how a collarless blazer or a cardigan will look in a picture vs. a more structured blazer.

For my own $.02, I still would not go with a sleeveless look (especially if bra straps are showing) or a shirt that is so low-cut that the actual shirt may be outside of the frame… but that’s me!

Tips on Makeup for Headshots

In terms of makeup, I think my old advice of looking “alive and awake” still stands. For me, this means doing my blush, contours, and eyebrows (I look like the walking dead without them), under-eye concealer, eyeliner, and mascara (to look more awake). My eye makeup would be in shades of taupe, brown, and black, and my lip color would be one of my 10,000 shades of mauve/rosy brown — instead of my occasional shades of bright red or taupe.

In general, I’d stick with less trendy options for makeup for headshots — for example, keep the teal eyeliner and dark blue lipstick at home for the day. It’s OK to go with a bold lip, but stick to a more traditional color like red. (I’d LOVE to hear readers’ suggestions on faux eyelashes or no — I’ve never worn them on a regular basis, nor have I known anyone who wears them on a regular basis, but this may be a generational thing.)

When to Show Personality in a Headshot

This depends hugely on what you want to convey. It’s OK to look totally boring in a headshot; it’s probably not good if your headshot sticks out in this instance.

If you have a piece of jewelry that you feel strongly represents you, such as hoop earrings or a pearl necklace, go for it. Same for hairstyles — if you wear your hair in different ways depending on the day, and you feel like one look represents you the most, then go for it.

In 2022, I think almost anything will fly — but I would worry about

• looking intentionally rebellious — I’m seeing visions of a goth with spiky hair for some reason, or
• looking comically out of touch — channeling Legally Blonde is OK, but you don’t want to look like you thought you were showing up for Bachelorette auditions and stumbled into Law School Photo Day instead.

Readers, I’d love to hear your thoughts — especially if you hire law students. Have you seen some headshots that gave you pause? What is your best advice for what to wear for a headshot?

Psst: Hunting for a great crisp white blouse to wear for your headshot? These are our latest favorites…

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Further reading on headshots:

• Seven Attorney Headshot Tips [Headshots-Inc.com]
• Professional headshots… ladies, help me [r/LawSchool]
• 8 Attorney Headshots Every Lawyer Should Follow [National Law Review]
• related: Black Women-Led Leaders Pushing to Get the CROWN Act Passed Nationwide [Black Enterprise] (CROWN = “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair”)

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / odua.

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Recent research has shown that the pandemic — and its effect on the U.S. economy — has affected Gen Z’s thoughts on college majors, and since a lot of readers were in college in 2007–2009 during the Great Recession or during 2000 when the dot-com bubble burst, we thought that looking at the topic in general would make for a great discussion today.

If you were going to college right now, what major would you choose, and why? Do you regret your choice of major and/or grad school degree, or do you know you made the right choice? Did the economy affect your decision, or would you have chosen your major no matter what? Related: Did you consider a gap year before college?

Here are some interesting findings about how COVID is affecting Gen Z’s choices about what to study:

1. The National Research Center for College and University Admissions used their admitted-student research to compare academic major interest from 2019 to 2020 — here’s a graph showing each major’s positive or negative growth rate. It’s no surprise that majors related to industries that took a hit during the pandemic, e.g., aviation/aerospace (-24%) and culinary arts (-56%), became less popular choices. The humanities/liberal arts and education declined, while majors seeing a bump in popularity included environmental science, criminal justice, and visual and performing arts.

2. Here are some stats from a survey of college students in July 2020: “While 42% of respondents strongly disagreed that the pandemic has caused them to rethink their major, 15% indicated that they strongly agree or agree to changing directions in their academic careers. The leading factors for that segment include job flexibility (57%), stronger job security/outlook (51%), and a change in values (39%). In fact, having seen the economic impact of COVID-19, one-third of all respondents believe it is “very important” to pursue a career in a field that is considered ‘essential.'”

3. An Inside Higher Ed op-ed noted, “A recent survey of Gen Z teens sponsored by the nonprofit corporation ECMC Group found that ’61 percent believe a skill-based education (e.g. trade skills, nursing, STEM, etc.) makes sense in today’s world.’ The survey also found that a slight majority (52 percent) believe they can ‘succeed in a career with postsecondary education other than a four-year degree.'” (The author of the piece disagreed with “describing only certain credentials as ‘skills based.”)

Considering your life and career experiences since getting your college degree (and graduate degree, if you have one), would you have chosen a different major if you could do it again? What advice would you give to high school and college students choosing a major in 2021?

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We’ve previously rounded up some of our best law school resources for women, as well as other tips like what to know before 1L year, the best blogs for women law students, and must-have school supplies for law school — but it’s been a while! So I asked our new law school correspondent, Nicole, to round up some of the best resources she found before embarking on her law school career. Huge thanks, Nicole! — Kat

How to Prepare for 1L Year

Getting to Maybe

I read this book the summer before law school, and it explained the basics of law school exams. If you don’t have time to read it before law school (which is no big deal), I’ll sum it up for you. My main takeaway from the book was the importance of getting comfortable with ambiguity. In law school, there is probably not going to be one right answer on the exam. That’s why the book is titled Getting to Maybe.

Women in Law On the Record

This is an amazing podcast about women in all areas of the legal profession. A female lawyer interviews other successful women lawyers about their decision to go to law school and their career path, and asks for general advice.

Listening to these women makes me so excited about my career because there are so many possibilities, and it often forces me to think differently about setbacks. It’s validating to hear that everyone experiences setbacks — even very, very successful lawyers. Also, the interviewer ends every podcast by asking for each interviewee’s five favorite things, which is a fun way to hear about different hobbies, music, books, and travel destinations.

Above the Law

If you want all the scoop on different law firms (particularly regarding bonuses, raises, and Dumb Memos), ATL is a must-read. ATL is like a BuzzFeed for the “world of law,” and it is entertaining (or as entertaining as the “world of law” can be)!

The Girl’s Guide to Law School

There are a ton of great resources for all law students here, including guides on Law School 101, how to write law review articles, and how to leave Biglaw.

Ms. JD

Run in conjunction with the National Women Law Students’ Organization, Ms. JD features a blog and runs conferences and programs throughout the year. Ms. JD also has a variety of useful resources about business development, pay equity, negotiation, and self-promotion.

Bonus Tip: How to Prepare to Apply for Law School

Spivey Consulting Blog

Spivey Consulting helps incoming law students through the admissions process. While I didn’t personally work with an admissions consultant, I found the blog posts written by former law school administrators extremely helpful! The blog posts are free to read and cover a wide range of topics about admissions, waitlists, negotiating scholarships, transferring, and law school life. They also now have podcasts!

Readers who’ve been to law school, what resources (books, blogs, newsletters and more) were helpful to you as you prepared to go to law school? What are your top tips for how to prepare for 1L year?

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / Wavebreakmedia.

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Wondering what to know before 1L? Today our new law school correspondent, Nicole, is sharing the things she wishes she had known about before going to law school. Readers who’ve been to law school, we’d love your thoughts — what things do you wish you had known before 1L year?

(A note from Kat: I’m pleased to welcome Nicole to the blog today! She’ll be our new law school correspondent — she’s graduating from a Midwest law school in May 2021 (congrats, Nicole!) and gearing up for life in Biglaw. Welcome to the blog, Nicole! Readers, what other topics do you think we should cover in our occasional law school series?)

You’re not supposed to know everything right away

Law school administrators and upperclassmen are deliberately not telling you certain things as to not overwhelm you the first couple of months of law school. Things such as outlining, journal write-on, OCI, and clerkships will be explained in time. Some other students will know lots of details about these things, but you don’t need to know it yet!

Try not to let things you specifically haven’t been told about yet stress you out. Everything will be explained when you need to know about it, and you won’t waste time worrying.

Avoid (for the most part) asking hypotheticals

If you find yourself wondering about something that’s slightly off-topic (but still relevant), go to office hours! Don’t waste class time on hypotheticals. I promise you will not impress your professor in class with your creativity (they have heard it all), and you will end up suffering in the end because it wastes time.

Typically in law school there is a certain amount of material you have to get through, and asking irrelevant questions uses up the time the professor could spend explaining concepts. “Hypos” are for office hours since they are specifically for your understanding of the material rather than for everyone.

{related: How to Prepare for Law School}

Answer only answer the question asked

I can’t even count the number of cold calls that have been derailed because people answer the question correctly — then keep talking. Try to just answer the narrow question asked and then stop. Your law school professors are experts in these subjects, and the more you talk, the more opportunity you have to get tripped up. Worry about impressing your professor on the exam where it matters and when you have a more complete understanding of the material.

Readers who’ve been to law school, we’d love your thoughts — what things do you wish you had known before 1L year? (What other topics should we cover in our occasional law school series?)

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Reader A is wondering what to wear to law school graduation, with hopes that she can wear it again for summer weddings — so let’s discuss! Readers, what did you wear to your law school graduation? Here’s her question:

I’m graduating from law school in three weeks and I’m wondering what to wear for graduation. I didn’t go to my college graduation so I’m feeling kinda clueless. Ideally it’d be something under $200 that I can wear again to work at my firm (preferably sleeves and close to knee length). I feel like a spring-y pattern is more appropriate for the occasion than my go-to black and white sheath. Any ideas? (Bonus if it’s something I could also wear to summer weddings for law school classmates)

We’ve talked a bit about dressing for law school, including what to wear to law school, as well as ideal law school orientation outfits — but not for graduation itself. The TL;DR advice here: don’t stress; whatever you wear will be fine.

(You could always go with one of the our favorite sheath dresses — good for graduation, work, and weddings!) Some more in depth notes, from your friendly fashion blogger who overthinks these things:

Possible Graduation Dresses if You DO Want to Buy Something Special

As we’ll get into more, you don’t really need to stress about what to wear to law school graduation (or graduation in general). That said, we’ll round up some fun dresses if you DO want to stress…

Pretty and Classy Graduation Dresses

Some of our favorite pretty dresses out right now include these — a lot of them would make nice wedding dresses also!

In general, keep an eye on brands like Eliza J, Maggy London and Donna Ricco — often found on sale at Nordstrom Rack, or even Amazon!! — for pretty dresses that aren’t too daring.

The ones below all come in lighter colors if you’re working with a light-colored graduation gown.

Work Dresses for Graduation: Two Birds with One Stone

Another option: You could use the opportunity to buy a work dress that you “fancy up” with a sparkly necklace or colorful wrap. (We love the brand Nadri for affordable sparklies!)

Colorful sheath dresses could also be great here — bonus points if your attire is in your school colors. (Honestly, they can be great to have for alumni networking in the future!)

(The original dress Reader A suggested is now sold out, but here are similar options for fit and flare dresses…

Hunting for the best fit and flare work dresses? We just rounded up some in Oct. 2022, but in general look to brands like Eliza J., Maggy London, White House | Black Market, Karen Kane, eShakti, and (for plus sizes), City Chic, Kiyonna, and Eloquii.

Why You Shouldn’t Stress About What to Wear to Law School Graduation

I honestly couldn’t tell you what anyone wore to my law school graduation, because we all wore robes/gowns the whole time  — I know from pictures at dinner with my family afterward that I wore a black sheath dress with white grosgrain ribbon details that I got on some crazy deal at an outlet store, but that was me.

I honestly don’t think it matters. Sheath dress, wedding guest attire, pants — it’s all fine.

Don’t go crazy casual — keep the cutoff denim shorts at home, perhaps — but don’t stress too much.

Pockets may be a good thing, and your graduation gown/robe may not have them. If you won’t be carrying your bag with you to the ceremony itself, look for a dress with pockets so you can keep whatever your bare minimal essentials are on you — iPhone, $20, lip gloss, whatever.

As of 2023, many of the best work dresses have pockets, including M.M.LaFleur, J.Crew, and Boden — Nordstrom also has a bunch!

Do Pay Attention to What Shoes to Wear to Law School Graduation, Though

Keep an eye on the ground when choosing your outfit — stiletto heels will sink into soft ground like grass and, depending on where the graduation is, you may be walking across a muddy field anyway. So: be practical, be comfortable. Don’t spend a ton on shoes that may be ruined by the conditions. Don’t wear flip flops, either, but don’t buy designer white suede stilettos just for the occasion.

As of Dec. 2023 there are a lot of wedge heels for work lately that look great for commuting or learning to walk in heels… Nordstrom especially has a ton, as does Theory, J.Crew, and Vivaia! Some of our current favorites:

Another option: flats! There are even a number of work-appropriate flats that are washable if you’re concerned the ceremony ground may be muddy.

Readers, let’s hear from you — what did you wear to your law school graduation (or any grad school graduation)? Did you party with friends/family immediately after graduation, or did you partake in more generic networking (which might require closer attention to your outfit)? (Taken from another direction — in general, what’s your go-to look for “wedding guest attire” — and how many dresses do you have in your closet that fit the bill?)

If you’re graduating law school, you may want to check out some of our recent advice for young professionals just starting out (as well as our suggestions on work wardrobe essentials!)

• The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual
• What to Look For in Interview Flats
• The Most Affordable Office Clothes for Women in 2024: Our List
• Our Best Tips for Business Dining Etiquette
• What to Wear for Headshots

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