In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, Megumi Ryoya discusses the traits she seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with her and more.
Texas Lawbook: What advice do you give lawyers considering going in-house?
Megumi Ryoya: I believe in focusing on how to make something work, rather than explaining why it cannot. In‑house lawyers are part of the decision‑making process, not external observers. That means helping business teams understand legal risk while also identifying what risks are acceptable in pursuit of business objectives. The ability to draw that line thoughtfully is one of the most important skills for an in‑house lawyer.
Lawbook: What are the factors you consider when deciding about hiring outside counsel?
Ryoya: Expertise and a strong track record are essential. Equally important is whether outside counsel truly understands our priorities and is willing to work alongside us — supporting our objectives and standing with us as part of the same team.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about you?
Ryoya: I value collaboration and transparency. I see outside counsel as partners who work closely with us, not simply as external advisers.
Lawbook: How is AI impacting your work?
Ryoya: Generative AI has significantly improved efficiency in areas such as legal research, contract review and preparation of internal materials. At the same time, it has made careful verification and human judgment even more important.
Lawbook: How is AI impacting your work and relationship with outside counsel?
Ryoya: Because foundational research can now be done more efficiently using AI, discussions with outside counsel tend to focus more on judgment‑based and practical considerations rather than background explanations.
Click here to read the Lawbook profile of Megumi Ryoya.