In any field of work, computers are used to streamline tasks and duties. The same is true if you’re a lawyer or a law student. A reliable laptop makes it easier for you to look for and store case stories and legal references without having to indulge in bulky and heavy law books. You can have access to all the articles you need with a single click. Furthermore, the best laptop for lawyers can be trusted to store sensitive client data securely. You can even start providing law-based help online to generate extra income.
If you want to make your life as an attorney easier, we did the research for you and made a roundup of the best laptops for lawyers you can get today.
Contents of this Page
Buyers Guide
We took into consideration the essential aspects that are important in the legal profession. This comprehensive buyers guide can help you make an informed decision based on your personal needs and preferences.
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Privacy
You wouldn’t want sensitive client information to be susceptible to hacking. Make sure you choose a laptop that has adequate security features to keep your case files private and save yourself from potential privacy problems.
Performance
The best laptop computer for lawyers should be capable of performing all the necessary tasks without a hitch. Merely looking at information on the processor of a device can tell you how well it is going to perform. Ideally, you want a system with the latest generation of processors. However, these laptops tend to be the most expensive. We recommend going for a system with at least a 7th generation Intel Core processor. Some of the laptops on this list even have dedicated graphics cards that significantly improve their gaming capabilities.
RAM
The bare minimum you should get to ensure smooth user experience is 8 GB of RAM. However, we’d recommend twice the memory if you want your laptop to be future proof. You should also consider the clock speed, which is measured in MHz. The faster it can cycle per second, the more data it can store and read.
Storage
You won’t want to compromise on storage if you plan on storing valuable information from your clients. Always go for laptops that have SSD storage as they perform much faster than an HDD. With an SSD, your device boots up way quicker, and you should notice an improvement in load performance and better system responsiveness. They’re also much more durable than an HDD since they don’t have moving parts.
Display Resolution
If you’re going to be staring at the screen for an extended period, you want a display that is pleasing to your eyes. A Full HD resolution (1920 × 1080) should suffice, but if you want a more crisp display, go for a higher resolution like UHD 4K (3840 × 2160).
Portability
You’re going to want the best laptop for travel and work if you take business trips often. Look for something sleek and lean that you can carry around without difficulty. A device that weighs a little more than a kilogram (kg) is the sweet spot for the best laptop for lawyers.
Systems that have a dedicated graphics card can weigh more than a couple kg, so you must deal with the extra weight if you plan on doing some gaming or video editing with your laptop. On the other hand, laptops that have integrated graphics are generally lightweight, but their gaming capabilities are unimpressive compared to those that have dedicated graphics cards.
Battery Life
If you need to study or work on the move, you need a long-lasting battery that lets you take your laptop without having to keep the charger all the time. All of the laptops on this list have a battery life of at least 6 hours. You can count on them to have enough juice to last while you work on the go.
Now that you have a good idea of the essential aspects to consider, here is our roundup of the best laptops for lawyers and law students. You will definitely find a device on this list that fits your needs.
Best Overall Laptop for Lawyers
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Processor | Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Ice Lake) |
Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR4X clocked at 3733 MHz |
Storage | 1 TB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 11.5 hours |
Screen Size | 13.5” |
Display Resolution | 2256 × 1504 |
Weight | 1.3 kg |
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is our pick for the best laptop for lawyers. It ticks all the essential boxes we established above. Powered by the latest generation of Intel Core i7 processor, it can easily handle tasks like online legal research or running case management software.
The 16 GB of LPDDR4X RAM clocked at a whopping 3733 MHz means that the device can run lots of browser tabs and still have the memory to run your favorite PDF reader during case study sessions. The screen displays documents and images vividly thanks to its crisp display resolution.
In terms of design, the aluminum body of the Surface Laptop 3 is striking, but it is susceptible to fingerprints. The device is perfect for work and travel since it only weighs 1.3 kilograms. With up to 11.5 hours of battery life, you can count on this laptop to power through a brief business without having to charge.
One of the drawbacks of the thin and light design of the Surface Laptop 3 is the lack of connectivity ports. The device has a USB Type-C port, but it has no Thunderbolt support. If you want to use the laptop for case presentations, then you’re out of luck. The only other connectivity ports on the device include USB Type-A, a headphone jack, and the Surface Connector port for charging. It is also quite expensive, but you can get it at a lower price if you’re willing to compromise on storage and RAM capacity.
Best Laptop for Privacy and Security
Librem 14 Version 1
Processor | Intel Core i7 10710U, 6 Cores, 12 Threads |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Operating System | PureOS |
RAM | 8GB to 64GB |
Storage | 250GB to 2TB per M.2 slots |
Battery Life | N/A |
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Weight | N/A |
The Librem 14 Version 1 is a laptop heavy on privacy and security. It’s created by Purism, a company founded for freedom, privacy, and security. It offers a 14-inch IPS panel with the base unit sporting the Intel Core i7 10710U, 8GB of RAM, and 250GB SSD.
The operating system used is PureOS, which is a version of Linux that ensures your information is kept secure. This is done by using HTTPS Everywhere, tracking protection, ad blocking, sandboxed apps, and more. In addition, it only ships to you with open source software. Although not everybody is familiar with this operating system, it still compromises by giving lawyers the tough security features they need.
Connectivity-wise the Librem 14 Version 1 laptop isn’t lacking. It offers USB Type-A, USB Type-C, Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and memory card ports.
The unique selling point of this laptop is the kill switches. These kill switches disconnect the Bluetooth, wireless, mic, and camera connections physically when you need it. The BIOS is actually open source. Plus, the boot process is kept secure with the PureBoot. This boot process enables users to self-sign their own OS.
Best MacBook for Lawyers
Apple MacBook Pro
Processor | 9th Generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 + AMD Radeon Pro 5500M |
Operating System | macOS |
RAM | 16GB RAM |
Storage | 1TB SSD |
Battery Life | Up To 11 Hours |
Screen Size | 16 inches |
Display Resolution | Retina Display with True Tone technology |
Weight | 4.3 lbs |
The new Apple MacBook Pro is definitely hard to surpass. Aside from offering powerful specifications, it has a sleek and minimalistic design that will surely impress your clients. The 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro flaunts a Retina Display with True Tone technology. This means you’ll be looking at vivid colors that sport high color accuracy.
Although this version of the MacBook Pro is quite heavy, it makes up for it by offering four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. Thus, you won’t run out ports where you can connect your accessories and gadgets. In addition, it boasts of a six-speaker system coupled with studio-quality mics. That’s pretty useful when offering Zoom sessions to your clients.
The keyboard is very reliable and feels good to the touch. In addition, thermals have been improved. This way, your laptop doesn’t get overheated after extended periods of use. Apple claims that this laptop has a battery life of up to 11 hours. On average use, this may go around 8 hours or so.
Overall, the new 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro is still best for die-hard fans of the company. If you want to look business-oriented in front of your clients, this is one device to go for. Believe me, you won’t get disappointed with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space!
Best Laptop for Presentations
LG Gram 17
Processor | Intel Core i7-8565U (Whiskey Lake) |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 clocked at 2400 MHz |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 19.5 hours |
Screen Size | 17” |
Display Resolution | 2560 × 1600 |
Weight | 1.3 kg |
The LG Gram 17 is our pick for the best laptop for business and personal use. Weighing in at just a little over a kilogram, you will have no trouble carrying this large-display device from your home to your law office. It has plenty of connectivity ports too, making it a good laptop for lawyers who often do presentations.
Under the hood, the Gram 17 is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. It has a 512 GB SSD for storage, but has significantly slower read and write speeds compared to the other alternatives.
The design of the Gram 17 may not be as striking as some of its competition with its basic gray color scheme, but it looks perfectly fine. It also has a gorgeous high-resolution display that is great for viewing legal documents or watching movies when you’re not busy studying cases.
What the device lacks in style, it makes up for with functionality through its abundance of connectivity ports. If you want to use the device for presentations, it has a USB Type-C port and an HDMI port. Other connectivity options include three USB 3.1 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot.
The fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button of the Gram 17 is also worth mentioning. It allows you to swiftly unlock the device without having to enter the password every time you log in. Whether you’re managing your cases in the office or binging on your favorite Netflix series, the Gram 17 is an excellent device.
Best Well-Rounded Laptop for Lawyers
Dell XPS 15 7590
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H (Coffee Lake) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 clocked at 2666 MHz |
Storage | 1 TB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
Screen Size | 15.6” |
Display Resolution | UHD 4K (3840 × 2160) |
Weight | 2.5 kg |
The Dell XPS 15 7590 has been dominating the 15” laptop market for years, and their new iteration remains competitive. With a 9th generation Intel Core processor and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, it has more than enough firepower to be considered the best Dell laptop for lawyers. Moreover, the device has a dual-channel 16 GB RAM configuration clocked at 2666 MHz along with a 1 TB SSD to ensure fast and smooth performance.
The XPS 15 7590 maintains the conservative design of its predecessors but with a few welcome changes. They moved the webcam to the thin top bezel to make the screen more pleasing to the eyes.
The InfinityEdge display also looks stunning in UHD 4K resolution. However, the speakers are still placed on the bottom when nearly every other laptop is integrating top-firing speakers. The device is also considerably heavier than our other picks on this list, making it less ideal for lawyers who are always on the move.
For connectivity, it has a good selection of ports that are commonly used today. These include an HDMI 2.0 out, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 3.1 port, a USB Type-C port with support for Thunderbolt 3, and an SD/MMC card reader.
Best Laptop for Typing
ASUS VivoBook S15
Processor | Intel Core i5-8265U (Whiskey Lake) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX250 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 clocked at 2400 MHz |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 9 hours |
Screen Size | 15.6” |
Display Resolution | Full HD (1920 × 1080) |
Weight | 1.8 kg |
The ASUS VivoBook S15 is a sleek and compact laptop that has a great keyboard to help you write your legal documents or memos. It doesn’t fall short on performance either. With an 8th generation Intel Core processor and discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics along with 8 GB of RAM, it can manage to deliver a smooth user experience when performing multiple tasks at once.
The VivoBook S15 has a brushed metal design on an aluminum chassis that looks great with its slim and compact form factor. The NanoEdge display sports ultra-slim bezels to make for some immersive visuals. However, the screen is dull, and colors appear faded and worn.
What makes the VivoBook S15 a solid candidate for the best laptop for lawyers is its highly comfortable backlit keyboard. The ErgoLift hinge design tilts the keyboard at an angle that is optimized for typing. This device also features ScreenPad 2.0 that doubles as a standard touchpad when not in use. ScreenPad 2.0 turns the touchpad into a secondary touch screen that has some useful functionality. It also works with certain apps that are compatible with the display.
The VivoBook S15 has a variety of connectivity options, including a USB 2.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.1 Type-C, and an HDMI port. It also has a microSD card slot and a headphone jack. Thunderbolt support would have been a nice touch, but you rarely find it in this price range.
Best Lightweight Laptop
Google Pixelbook Go
Processor | Intel Core i7-8500Y (Amber Lake Y) |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 clocked at 2666 MHz |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
Screen Size | 13.3” |
Display Resolution | Full HD (1920 × 1080) |
Weight | 1.1 kg |
The Google Pixelbook Go is hailed by many as the best lightweight business laptop out on the market today. As the lightest laptop on this list, it is easy to recommend this device to a solo lawyer who does a lot of work and travel. Needless to say, an 8th generation Intel Core Processor and 16 GB of RAM is more than sufficient to power this Chromebook. You can multitask without fret and maybe even do a little photo editing to advertise your law firm.
Although the price for the Pixelbook Go is reasonable, we have come to expect more practical features at this price range, like a biometric login option. Google is relying mainly on the Android phone unlocking feature, but those who don’t own an Android device are cast aside.
Nonetheless, this laptop makes up with some premium features like its 1080p webcam, remarkable battery life, and one of the best keyboards you could find on a laptop. All three of these upsides are particularly useful for lawyers who communicate with their clients mainly through the web, travel often, and use their computers to write legal documents, letters, or memos.
In terms of design, the Pixelbook Go is made from a magnesium alloy painted with a matte texture and a rippled base. This layout makes the device more comfortable to grip and hold while moving between client meetings or case hearings. The chassis is also very durable as it is resistant to pressure and flex. Few can rival it as the best laptop for lawyers who are always on the go.
As previously mentioned, the Pixelbook Go has one of the best keyboards you could find on a laptop. This improvement can be attributed to Google’s Hush design that was taken from the original Pixelbook slate. It provides a perfect combination of silence and forceful feedback that you won’t find anywhere else.
When it comes to connectivity, the Pixelbook Go has two USB Type-C 3.1 ports that serve as both a charging port and a display output. The device also has a headphone jack. Connectivity options may seem limited at first glance, but it doesn’t need to have an expansive port selection as a Chromebook.
Best Laptop for Business Meetings
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H (Coffee Lake) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 clocked at 2666 MHz |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Battery Life | Up to 14 hours |
Screen Size | 15.6” |
Display Resolution | Full HD (1920 × 1080) |
Weight | 3.1 kg |
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 carries over the tradition of excellence in quality business laptops with a more powerful processor. The device’s 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor paired with discrete graphics can tackle the most demanding tasks. With 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB SSD, you can depend on this laptop to handle your workload as part of a law firm or as a solo attorney.
The design of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 is reminiscent of its previous iterations. Like every other ThinkPad, this device has passed the MIL-STD test for durability. This laptop will not flex if you grasp the corners of the screen or mash the keyboard. It is also impressively compact, but a bit too hefty for traveling.
Another aspect that has always stood out with the ThinkPad series is its remarkable keyboard. The spill-resistant, backlit keyboard on the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 has the right amount of travel with a snappy and comfortable typing feel. You probably won’t be using it for typing the password, though, since the device features a fingerprint reader and a face-recognition webcam.
As for connectivity, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 comes with a wide array of ports. This laptop has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI out, a mini-port for an optional Ethernet dongle, a headphone jack, an SD/MMC card slot, a Kensington lock slot, and the connector for the coat-pocket AC adapter. With its versatility, this laptop is excellent for business meetings where you need connectivity options.
Laptop For Lawyers Who Work On Massive Amounts Of Data
2020 HP Pavilion 15
Processor | Intel Quad-Core i7 1065G7, 1.3GHz to 3.9GHz |
Graphics | 4GB NVIDIA GeForce MX250 Graphics |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home, 64-Bit |
RAM | 32GB RAM |
Storage | 2TB SSD |
Battery Life | Up To 8 Hours |
Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 IPS Touchscreen |
Weight | 4.25 lbs |
If you’re working on massive amounts of data that requires processing power and lots of storage space, go for this 2020 HP Pavilion 15 laptop. It sports 32GB of RAM plus 2TB SSD for the ultimate business powerhouse. This is combined with the Intel Quad-Core i7 1065G7 with a base frequency of 1.3GHz and works up to 3.9GHz.
Although it has a below-average battery life of 8 hours, it has plenty of ports for use. These ports include USB Type-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, Headphone/ Microphone combo jack, and digital media card reader. In addition, the touchscreen display is amazing with ample amounts of sensitivity for working around with.
The 2020 HP Pavilion 15 has a design that’s built for business. Although it has specs like a gaming laptop, it doesn’t look like one at all. This is a good thing for lawyers like you. It sports a modern design that will surely look professional.
Lawyer’s Input On Ways to Protect Sensitive Client Data
As a lawyer, you deal with tons of information every day. And more often than not, these data are sensitive and must be kept confidential at all times. After all, protecting sensitive client data at all times is one of your sworn duties. That is why we asked some attorneys for some data security tips, to make sure that all sensitive information does not get compromised.
I’m a Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer based out of Austin, Texas. I often have a lot of clients who are seeking divorces from spouses with whom they currently share a residence. One of the first things that we advise our clients to do is to change the passwords to their phones and email. This ensures not only that a client’s data is safe and secure from a snooping spouse, but it also ensures that any attorney-client communications remain privileged.
Lisa Marie Bustos
www.bustosfamilylaw.com
The best way to protect sensitive client data is for an organization to set internal policies and procedures to safeguard both data privacy and also data security. Data privacy is the protection of data being sold to third parties by private companies. Data security is the protection of data so it is not hacked by malicious actors. There is some overlap between the 2 categories and businesses are responsible to protect against both according to federal and some state laws.
Consumers already are allowed to sue companies that collect their data if their information is stolen or disclosed in a data breach under the CCPA law that will take effect in 2020, but only in circumstances where the company was careless or negligent. This new legislation would expand a consumer’s right to sue for damages in an amount not greater than seven
hundred and fifty ($750) per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.”
A business should set up a secure firewall and also conduct regular reviews and audits of their server. This is even more so when the client data is financial and/or sensitive in nature.
David Reischer, Esq.
www.legaladvice.com
Device Encryption for Attorneys
Encryption measures are necessary to scramble your data and secure a laptop for lawyers. Software like BitLocker Device Encryption turns all of the data, including your emails, into gibberish before they are saved.
Most lawyers are aware of how cybercriminals can make life difficult for others. In Turkey, a convicted hacker received 334 years for data theft, while in other countries, the crime is met with fines or suspended sentences. Lawyers should always take the steps necessary to protect their data. This article will discuss how device encryption can help safeguard your information.
What Is Device Encryption?
Device encryption is a digital method of cryptography that protects all the files on your laptop. Once your device is encrypted, all of the data is automatically encoded via symmetric encryption keys. This data will be decrypted when necessary so that you and other authorized users can gain access to it.
If you store data related to court cases or business transactions on your laptop, they are vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands. With device encryption, this information takes the form of scrambled ciphertext, so a thief would not be able to view your clients’ personal information or use it in a way that affects them negatively.
Advanced Encryption Standard is the algorithm used by the American government. You’ll also find device encryption software that employ other symmetric-key or public-key cryptosystems such as Triple DES and RSA.
Protect Your Clients
Lawyers are sworn to keep information about their clients confidential. If your laptop is stolen, a thief could access plenty of important information on your disk. Device encryption scrambles the data on that disk to prevent unauthorized access to emails, phone numbers, and other contact information.
Imagine the potential repercussions if someone stole your laptop and created a fake identity for one of your wealthy clients using the information on your laptop. That would put yourself and your entire firm at grave risk.
In-Built Device Encryption
Some devices already come with encryption software. If you use a Mac, you can install FileVault to protect your files. You can also use the device encryption software that’s pre-installed on your iPhone or Android device.
BitLocker Device Encryption
BitLocker Device Encryption is used once you sign in with your Microsoft account. To enable it, go to your Control Panel and click on BitLocker Drive Encryption. BitLocker uses the same AES encryption algorithm that is preferred by government agencies.
Lawyers are ethically mandated to take every step necessary to protect their clients’ information, so device encryption is essential.
It is not enough to put a password on your device. Most hackers can break through that in just a few minutes. BitLocker Device Encryption encryption software conveniently comes with your device.
Other software can be installed on your device quickly, and the setup process is as simple as installing any other app on your phone. Just ensure that you back up the data on your laptop first to give yourself extra protection if something goes wrong.
Protect Your Firm’s Brand
Your firm’s reputation is always on the line. Every case you handle well can either make your firm a force to be reckoned with or give the impression that other lawyers can do a better job than you.
If your client’s information gets out because you didn’t take steps to protect your firm’s devices, it reflects poorly on your organization. If you are a senior partner, do not pass the buck and ensure that device encryption is in place on all of your devices. Most encryption software can be used on several laptops to have the same level of protection.
Safeguard Financial Assets
Along with data on their clients, lawyers often keep information on their financial transactions. It is vital to take every precaution necessary to protect that information. Keeping your files protected from hackers is easy when you use device encryption.
If you frequently buy and sell assets or are involved in other types of business, you should assume that someone wants to know what you are doing. The easiest way for them to keep track of your business would be to steal your laptop. If you want to avoid giving them that type of access, protect your data by encrypting everything on your device.
Prevent Tampering
If someone tampers with your files or that of your clients, you will be put at risk in several ways. They could change or delete substantial evidence you need to present in court or conduct further investigations in a case.
If the information in your files is incorrect, it could slow down the progress of your cases significantly. You could also lose face in court if you present inaccurate data. You must protect your files, and the best way to do that is by encrypting your device.
Recap: Top 9 Best Laptops for Lawyers
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – 13.5″
- Librem 14 Version 1
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Dell XPS 15 7590, 15.6″ 4K UHD Touch, 9th Gen Intel Core i7-6 Core 9750H
- Asus Vivobook S15 Thin & Light Laptop, 15.6” FHD
- Google Pixelbook Go i7 Chromebook
- LG gram Thin and Light Laptop
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 Laptop
- 2020 HP Pavilion 15