Devin Taylor – Beyond Risk

Joining a company as its first general counsel is an exciting yet challenging role that requires strategic thinking, adaptability and leadership. Without an established framework or precedent within the organization, the general counsel often starts with a blank slate.

Devin Taylor | Beyond Risk | General Counsel

This involves building the legal infrastructure and developing policies and processes to align with the company’s operations while simultaneously proving the value of the legal function to executives and employees.

A significant challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Early on, the general counsel might be tasked with resolving pressing legal issues or mitigating risks, leaving little time to focus on broader strategic planning. At the same time, they must anticipate potential legal challenges the company may face as it grows or diversifies. Integration into the leadership team is another crucial aspect, requiring the general counsel to quickly establish credibility, influence decision-making processes, and collaborate effectively with other executives to align legal priorities with business objectives.

These are all the things Devin Taylor dealt with when he joined Beyond Risk as its first general counsel in March 2022.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Beyond Risk is a forward-thinking risk management firm dedicated to helping organizations identify, assess and mitigate risks in an increasingly complex world. Focusing on proactive solutions, Beyond Risk integrates analytics, technology and experience to help deliver customized strategies tailored to each client’s unique challenges.

As general counsel, Taylor plays a unique role as the legal backbone of a rapidly growing private equity-owned company. Leading a legal department of two, Taylor’s journey to this position, his approach to the challenges of scaling a business and his philosophy on leadership all reveal a deep commitment to professional excellence and personal growth.

Shaping the legal function

When Taylor joined Beyond Risk as its first general counsel, he was tasked with building a legal department from scratch, a challenge he welcomed.

“[My alma mater] Wake Forest’s legendary basketball coach had a saying: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” Taylor recalls during a conversation with Vanguard magazine in November.

This philosophy guided Taylor as he established foundational processes, prioritized building relationships with business leaders, and immersed himself in the company’s operations and strategy. For Taylor, understanding the business is paramount:

“You’re not going to be effective unless you understand the business, its strategies, why it’s trying to get there and how it’s going to get there,” Taylor explains.

This deep integration into the company’s ecosystem has proven essential as Beyond Risk prepares for what Taylor describes as an exciting year in 2025. With new programs launching and an active M&A pipeline, the legal department’s role is more critical than ever. Taylor emphasizes the importance of supporting growth efficiently and effectively.

“Having repeatable processes in place is important,” he explains. “They must be efficient and timely but also applied intelligently.”

This balance is particularly crucial in the M&A context, where diligence, seamless integration, and cross-functional collaboration are key. Taylor works closely with colleagues across the organization—including the CIO, CFO, HR and leaders of acquired businesses—to ensure that each deal closes smoothly and integrates effectively post-closing.

Taylor’s experience with M&A is extensive, both at Beyond Risk and in prior roles. He understands that preparation and a clear integration checklist are critical for success. The onboarding of acquired teams into Beyond Risk’s compliance infrastructure, licensing platforms, and contracts requires a proactive and collaborative approach. He also recognizes that not every situation fits a pre-determined process:

“You have to be nimble to know when your repeatable process makes sense,” he says.

Leading and innovating

While Beyond Risk has yet to explore artificial intelligence in its legal operations, Taylor is not opposed to the idea. He acknowledges the inevitability of technological adoption, framing it as a matter of when, not if. For now, he focuses on creating a legal department that aligns with the company’s dynamic growth and fosters a supportive culture.

Mentorship is another pillar of Taylor’s leadership style. He takes pride in cultivating an enjoyable and developmental environment for his team, ensuring they gain exposure to various legal matters, from M&A to litigation.

“I try to be mindful of their work styles,” he says. “I’m not prescriptive about how someone needs to work. This flexibility, paired with opportunities for professional growth, reflects our commitment to fostering a positive and productive workplace.”

Despite the unpredictable nature of his role—where daily priorities often shift—Taylor maintains a steady focus on progress. His formative experiences, including a stint as the sole lawyer at an international company, have taught him the importance of adaptability and prioritization.

“You never know what issue you’re going to be faced with,” he notes, whether it’s HR-related, an IT vendor negotiation, or an employment contract.

His ability to navigate these challenges stems from a career shaped by the rigor of law firms and the diverse demands of in-house roles.

Developing and growing a career

Taylor didn’t initially set out to be a corporate lawyer. Growing up in White Plains, New York, with a lawyer father, he was naturally curious about the profession. However, his interest in law only crystallized after attending Wake Forest University while working at a government relations consulting firm in Washington, D.C., surrounded by legal minds he admired.

Law school—he earned a JD from Brooklyn Law School—became a gateway to a more engaging and fulfilling academic experience, which set him on the path to corporate law despite his initial leanings toward public service.

His early career at Cahill Gordon provided a strong foundation, where the challenge of the work and the camaraderie of the people shaped his professional ethos. Moving in-house was not a premeditated step but rather an opportunity borne of familiarity—Integro, a client during his Cahill days—offered a chance to work with people and a business he already knew and respected. The move set the stage for a career of adaptability that led to Taylor’s current role at Beyond Risk.

Taylor’s journey to Beyond Risk reflects a career built on adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. For him, the opportunity to build a legal department from the ground up wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a chance to create something lasting.

“It’s satisfying to look back and see how much we’ve gotten done,” he says.

With a bright future ahead, Taylor remains focused on supporting Beyond Risk’s growth while ensuring that the legal department continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s success.