In-House Humans
Shari and the Chocolate Factory
A conversation with Shari Hosaki
Shari Hosaki led legal teams at Cadbury and HarperCollins. Now she’s a values-driven fractional GC shaping a better future for the profession. Zak Biggs caught up with her. ZB: You were GC at Cadbury and HarperCollins — what were your favourite parts of those roles?
SH: The chocolate and books helped! They gave me a real connection to the company's mission. I also loved the variety — from billion-dollar M&A to crisis response to reviewing ad copy.
I spent 20 years at Cadbury, in a culture built on what I’d call ‘capitalism with a conscience’. The Cadbury founders were Quakers, and their values — integrity and putting people first — shaped how I led and made legal decisions. I knew that if I made a tough call based on those values, the company would stand behind me.
ZB: What makes a great in-house legal team today?
SH: It’s about whether you act like part of the business or a separate legal function. The best legal teams sit inside sales, marketing, ops — building trust and being proactive. I always told my teams: we’re businesspeople with legal expertise.
Legal also has a unique vantage point. We see the whole organization and can connect the dots that others can’t. I think the best legal teams break silos and drive alignment.
ZB: At this stage, you could work anywhere. Why go fractional?
SH: Honestly, I initially didn’t even know it was called “fractional!” I just knew I wanted to work with great teams, focus on strategy and have more balance. This model lets me do that, and I’m grateful to you folks for helping make it happen!
ZB: You’re a diversity and inclusion champion and a judge of the Future of Law Awards. Why does giving back matter?
SH: I’ve found that I feel most fulfilled when I’m contributing to something bigger than myself! The awards are a way to celebrate the dynamic work happening in our profession and to encourage people who are making a positive impact.
I’m especially excited to judge the Innovative Legal Team of the Year. I love seeing how in-house teams are experimenting and evolving. Can’t wait to dive into the submissions!
Connect with Shari on LinkedIn and submit your Future of Law Awards nominations here .
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