In the ensuing years, the firm developed practices in corporate, energy, financial services, intellectual property, litigation and real estate.

In 1954, firm co-founder Elbert Tuttle accepted an appointment to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

In the 1970s and 80s, Sutherland expanded in the fields of energy, financial services, technology and intellectual property law.

In the early 2000s, Sutherland launched its intellectual property group and opened offices in New York and Houston.

In 2014, Sutherland combined with Arbis LLP in London and Geneva to create a global energy practice.