how do i retrieve my files from a stolen laptop?

Whether you lose your laptop by theft, failure or other catastrophic loss, it is the number one reason why you spend the time, effort, and money to maintain backups. If you did the right thing, and used Time Machine or another backup scheme, your solution is completely doable. If you buy a new computer, your backup is going to restore your files.

If you don't have a backup, your files are gone. FOREVER.

Does anybody honestly think that people buy external drives, Time Capsules or other backup media, as folly? Heck no... you HAVE TO HAVE BACKUPS if your data and files are of any importance.

Sorry, I didn't read the question correctly.

- If you used iCloud drive then sign another Mac into your iCloud drive account.

- If you have a backup then restore data from that backup to another Mac.

Otherwise you are out of luck