Brian J. Sutherland

Brian J. Sutherland is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who has successfully advocated for clients in state and federal courts, as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has built his career representing individuals in employment disputes involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, whistleblower claims, and wage violations, consistently securing meaningful relief.

Brian completed his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of Washington in 2003 before earning his Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Seattle University School of Law in 2006. His academic achievements reflected his commitment to justice and provided a strong foundation for his work in advancing civil rights and employment protections.

Brian began his legal journey as a Staff Attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, where he represented communities of color in voting rights cases. He later served as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Miami, litigating workplace discrimination cases on behalf of employees. His litigation skills grew further when he became a partner at a respected Atlanta employment and business litigation practice.

Brian rose to national recognition as lead counsel in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that confirmed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees. His advocacy in this landmark case brought long-awaited protection for countless workers nationwide. Beyond that, he has won jury verdicts such as a $622,000 award for an employee in an ADA and FMLA dispute, and he has represented voters and organizations in significant Voting Rights Act cases.

Brian J. Sutherland continues to be a leading voice in advancing civil rights and employment protections, using his trial and appellate experience to ensure that justice is accessible to all.

His dedication has been recognized with multiple professional honors, including being named a Rising Star by Georgia Super Lawyers across several years, as well as receiving AV Preeminent recognition from Martindale-Hubbell and inclusion among the Top 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers. These acknowledgments highlight his ongoing commitment to excellence in representing working people.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Beal Sutherland Berlin & Brown LLC
• Member, State Bar of Georgia
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association
• Member, St. Thomas More Society of Atlanta

Licensed State

• Georgia
• Washington

Education

• Seattle University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Washington
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges