As a lawyer, your laptop is one of your most important tools. According to surveys, lawyers spend over 60% of their time interacting with technology. A 2019 report found that 77% of attorneys use a laptop for work daily, while 65% say a laptop is “extremely important” for their practice.
With the best laptop 2023, you can maintain your productivity anywhere and access what you need to best serve your clients. The ideal laptop for a lawyer should be powerful yet portable, provide computing muscle for running legal software smoothly while secure enough for sensitive client data. According to analysts, the legal profession is embracing new tech like AI and cloud at a substantial rate.
Whether as a solo practitioner, in a large firm or anything in between, you’ll find recommendations tailored to how you practice. Over 82% of attorneys report improved efficiency using a laptop, so the right choice can make a big difference in maximizing your time and effectiveness as legal counsel.
This guide covers some of the best laptop for options based on their key needs and budgets. If you are still wondering, what laptops do lawyer use, here we go:
9 Best Laptops for Lawyers: Detailed Reviews:
After exploring more than 26 laptops, we have shortlisted these 9 best laptops for lawyers:
1. ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop is the best laptop for law school students and lawyers due to its powerful features and sleek design. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and 16GB RAM, it can smoothly handle multitasking, ensuring seamless usage of multiple legal databases, document drafting software, and video conferencing tools.
With a 1TB PCIe SSD, it provides ample storage space for extensive case files, legal documents, and reference materials. It also allows for quick data access, which is critical when working on time-sensitive legal matters.
The 14″ FHD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display offers a clear and wide-viewing experience, perfect for reading lengthy legal documents or presenting case details. The laptop’s backlit keyboard and NumberPad are added conveniences for long work hours or working in low-light environments.
The ZenBook 14 comes with Windows 11 Pro, providing advanced security features and productivity tools beneficial for lawyers. Its ultra-slim design and comprehensive connectivity options make it a perfect companion for lawyers on the move.
2. Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
The 2022 Apple MacBook Air with an M2 chip is one of the best laptop for lawyers in India who prioritize seamless integration between devices, top-notch performance, and stunning display quality. Powered by an 8-core CPU and up to 24GB of unified memory, it offers an exceptional level of responsiveness and speed, crucial for managing multiple legal applications, document processing, or video conferencing sessions.
The 34.46 cm (13.6-inch) Liquid Retina display ensures a vibrant and clear viewing experience, ideal for reviewing detailed documents or presenting case evidence. The MacBook’s advanced camera and audio features aid in clear communication during remote court hearings or client meetings.
It’s exceptionally portable with a strikingly thin design, making it easy for lawyers to carry between courts, offices, and home. With up to 18 hours of battery life, it ensures productivity throughout the day without frequent charging.
The MacBook Air runs on Mac OS, offering high-level security, essential for protecting sensitive legal information. Furthermore, it’s compatible with numerous applications including Microsoft 365, Zoom, and various iPhone and iPad apps, ensuring versatility and convenience.
3. Lenovo Thinkpad T470 Business Laptop
The Lenovo Thinkpad T470 Business Laptop is best laptop for law school who require a laptop for fundamental work activities such as document processing, browsing, and video conferencing. Powered by a 6th generation Intel Core i5-6200U processor, it offers adequate performance for multitasking. Its 4GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth operation even with multiple tabs or applications open, which is crucial in the fast-paced legal profession.
The laptop’s 14″ HD Display is ideal for reviewing legal documents or case evidence, and the integrated dual array microphones and HD webcam are essential for clear communication during remote court hearings or client meetings.
Despite its power, the Thinkpad T470 is user-friendly, facilitating productivity without demanding technological expertise. Its extensive battery life, bolstered by two batteries and Power Bridge technology, ensures over 13 hours of work without a recharge, a boon for busy legal professionals.
The laptop comes with a built-in fingerprint reader, which allows easy and secure access, enhancing security for sensitive legal information. Moreover, it runs on Windows 10 Pro, offering a familiar user interface and robust security features.
4. HP Pavilion 12th Gen Intel Core i7
The HP Pavilion 14, with its 12th Gen Intel Core i7, provides high performance which is critical for legal professionals who often work with complex case management systems, extensive legal databases, and document preparation software. It comes with a large 1TB SSD that offers substantial space for saving case files, legal research, and other significant documents. The laptop’s 16GB SDRAM can effectively handle multitasking, allowing lawyers to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance lags.
This laptop also features a 15.6-inch FHD, IPS, Micro-Edge display that presents a clear and crisp viewing experience, making it easy to read lengthy legal documents. The pre-installed Windows 11 Home edition offers the latest features, including security enhancements that are crucial in protecting sensitive client data.
HP Pavilion 14 also supports Alexa, enabling voice-activated tasks and making daily operations more efficient. The backlit keyboard allows for comfortable typing in low-light conditions, while the fast charging feature ensures minimal work interruption.
HP Pavilion x360 (2023) is another promising option, if you are aiming for something affordable.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a great choice for legal professional. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and equipped with 8GB of memory, it can handle a variety of tasks simultaneously, from legal research to drafting documents, without any lag.
Its sleek, lightweight design (starting at just 2.79 pounds) makes it a portable solution for lawyers on the go, accommodating courtroom presentations, client meetings, or remote working needs. The laptop features a clear, vibrant 13.5″ touch-screen, allowing for easier navigation and an enhanced viewing experience.
It has an extended battery life of up to 11.5 hours, crucial for long hours of work. Moreover, its fast-charging feature can recharge the laptop up to 80% in about an hour, minimizing downtime. The Surface Laptop 3 includes both USB-C and USB-A ports, ensuring greater compatibility with a wide range of devices.
6. ASUS Vivobook 16X 2023
The ASUS Vivobook 16X, powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, is an excellent laptop choice for cybersecurity tasks. With 14 cores and 20 threads, this laptop offers superior performance, allowing for smooth operation of complex security software and efficient multitasking.
Its 16GB memory ensures a seamless operation of memory-intensive applications, and the 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD provides ample storage for software, databases, and large data sets common in cybersecurity work.
The Vivobook 16X’s 16-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures clear visuals when managing intricate security frameworks. The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU helps render graphics-intensive tasks and simulations smoothly.
This laptop comes with Windows 11 Home, offering the latest security updates. Moreover, its fingerprint reader enhances security, providing an additional layer of biometric protection.
7. Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 9310, with its powerful Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor, 16GB LPDDR4x RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, is a robust laptop ideal for cybersecurity professionals. The high-speed processor and ample memory ensure smooth operation of demanding cybersecurity applications and multitasking. Additionally, the sizeable solid-state drive allows for storing extensive data sets, essential in cybersecurity work.
The laptop’s 13.4-inch FHD+ touchscreen display offers excellent resolution for detailed cybersecurity tasks, while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics ensure clear rendering of visuals. This is particularly useful when dealing with complex graphical interfaces in security software.
The XPS 13 9310 comes with Windows 11 Pro, providing the latest security updates. It also features a fingerprint reader for added biometric security, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.
8. Dell Inspiron 15 Touchscreen Laptop 2022
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a great laptop for lawyers due to its fast and powerful hardware, anti-glare display, and large storage capacity. The laptop features an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe SSD, providing ample memory and storage for running multiple applications and storing large legal files and documents.
The laptop also features a 15.6-inch FHD IPS touch display with anti-glare coating, providing clear and vibrant visuals even in bright light conditions. The anti-glare coating makes it easier to work for extended periods without straining the eyes.
Moreover, the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, providing a reliable operating system for legal professionals. Windows 11 provides a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be efficient.
9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 Laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 laptop is an excellent tool for lawyers due to its premium performance, superior connectivity, and high-level security features. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor with a speed up to 4.9 GHz, it enables seamless multitasking and swift access to data-heavy legal databases and software.
It features 16GB LPDDR3 2133MHz RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD, providing ample storage and efficient performance. The 14″ FHD anti-glare IPS display facilitates comfortable viewing for long hours, while the ThinkShutter privacy cover for the webcam and the fingerprint reader add security layers protecting sensitive legal data.
The laptop boasts a battery life of up to 19.5 hours and rapid charging technology, essential for long working hours and travel. With Windows 10 Pro 64/Windows 11 and advanced audio features, this laptop delivers an elevated user experience.
Key Factors To Consider Before Buying Laptop for Lawyers:
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a laptop for lawyers:
- Performance: Look for a laptop with an Intel Core i7 or faster processor, at least 16GB of RAM and a solid-state drive. This provides enough muscle for running legal research, document creation, and trial presentation software efficiently. Integrated or dedicated graphics allows for powering external monitors.
- Portability: For meetings, court, and travel, a lighter laptop around 3 lbs with good battery life is ideal. Screen size of 13 to 15 inches is suitable for portability and productivity.
- Storage: Aim for at least 512GB of fast SSD storage for your operating system and legal files. Additional HDD storage is good for archiving legal documents or media. Consider a laptop with space for more than one drive.
- Security: With sensitive client data, security is a priority. Look for features like biometric login, disk encryption, and trusted platform modules. Some business laptops offer advanced security certifications and services tailored for legal practices.
- Display: A Full HD or 4K display with an IPS panel provides clarity for reviewing legal documents and conducting online research. A touchscreen is useful for some, especially 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrids.
- Durability: Because of frequent travel and use, choose a more durable laptop with an aluminum chassis, spill-resistant keyboard, and drop-test certifications. Extended warranties are also worthwhile for maximum coverage.
- Ports: For connecting to legal displays, networks and peripherals, look for a variety of ports like USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and HDMI. Some high-powered models may require adapters to access additional ports, so check what’s built-in.
- Operating system: Most legal software runs on Windows and macOS. Chrome OS and Linux options are more limited for lawyers. Windows and macOS laptops offer the most flexibility and support for legal applications.
- Budget: Lawyer laptops range from around $1,000 up to $3,000 and beyond for higher-end models. Powerful, durable business laptops meet the needs of most legal professionals between $1,500 to $2,500.
With the right balance of power, performance, security, and portability, a laptop can become your most relied-upon legal tool for maintaining productivity wherever you need to practice. But choose wisely based on how you work. Best laptops for lawyers depends on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best laptops for lawyers:
Q: What processor do I need for legal work?
A: For most legal tasks, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or faster processor is good. For smoother performance with legal software and multitasking, a Core i7 or Ryzen 7 is better. Higher-end options like the Core i9 provide maximum power for trial preparation or document-intensive work.
Q: How much RAM do I need?
A: For solid performance, go for at least 8-16GB of RAM. For running multiple legal apps, viewing high-resolution video evidence or large caseloads, consider 32GB or more. More RAM allows you to work faster and efficiently.
Q: Should I get an SSD or HDD?
A: An SSD provides much faster performance for loading your operating system and legal software. Most lawyers will want at least a 512GB SSD for their primary storage. An additional HDD can be useful as extra low-cost space for archiving files, but choose an SSD first for speed. Best Laptops for lawyers offer dual drive slots for both SSD and HDD.
Q: What screen size and resolution do you recommend?
A: For many lawyers, a 13 to 15-inch display strikes a good balance of portability and usability. 17-inch displays and smaller 11-inch options can work for some. Choose at least a Full HD 1080p resolution for crisp text. Higher resolutions like 4K are better for intricate document review or trial presentation. Touchscreens are good for note taking and research.
Q: What operating system should I use?
A: The two best options for lawyers are Windows and macOS. Both platforms offer support for popular legal software like Westlaw, LexisNexis, Amicus Attorney, and Clio. Chrome OS and Linux provide more limited options for legal professionals. As laws and technology continue to intersect, Windows and macOS provide the most flexibility and access to resources. However, the right choice for you depends on personal preference and the tools that best fit your needs.
Q: How much should I spend on a laptop as a lawyer?
A: You can expect to spend between $1,000 to $3,000 or more to get best laptop for lawyers. Basic models for standard needs start around $1,000-$1,500. Mid-range business laptops suitable for most lawyers cost $1,500-$2,500. High-end laptops for power users who want maximum performance and a premium build can run $3,000-$4,000 and up. Analyze how you work, including any specialized software you run, to determine an budget appropriate for your needs.