Rosemary Feit
Amsted Industries
Assistant General Counsel–Litigation
Chicago, IL, USA
Amsted Industries
Assistant General Counsel–Litigation
Chicago, IL, USA
In the challenging world of corporate legal departments, Rosemary Feit, Assistant General Counsel—Litigation at Amsted Industries, embodies the essential traits of expertise and adaptability. A committed problem-solver and life-long learner, she is grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Amsted and among her colleagues.
Prior to her tenure at Amsted, Rosemary spent 8 years in private practice in New York and Chicago, followed by 14 years in-house at General Growth Properties, Inc., eventually becoming Executive Vice President & General Counsel (and serving as interim Head of Human Resources along the way). The pivot from real estate to a diversified global manufacturer came with a steep learning curve.
For in-house counsel, Amsted’s structure necessitates rapid assimilation of the operations of multiple global businesses, each with its own particular legal risks and concerns. As the world in which the company operates grows more complex, and new legal, commercial and regulatory challenges emerge almost daily, Rosemary counts on her broad legal skill set to support the company that she proudly joined six years ago.
For Rosemary, accomplishment is defined by leaving things better than you found them, a bedrock principle of how she was raised. At Amsted, she is motivated by the privilege of advocating on behalf of her internal clients, helping navigate high-conflict situations, anticipating challenges, and earning the trust, faith, and confidence of those who rely on her judgement.
Rosemary sees success at work as a team sport, describing the Amsted Law Department as a high-functioning, talented, and supportive unit that respects and trusts each other, and collaborates seamlessly. Beyond the Law Department, Rosemary says she’s fortunate to work daily with the remarkable people that support and run Amsted’s businesses.
“Each interaction teaches me something about our businesses and makes me smarter and better at my job.”
Rosemary also credits her mentors for guiding her, creating opportunities, and celebrating her achievements over nearly three decades of practicing law. But her commitment to mentorship extends beyond her own career. As a mentor in the inaugural run of the Swiderski Mentorship Program, she enjoyed the rewarding experience of offering guidance and insights to others and the opportunity to reflect on her own approaches to work and leadership.
To budding professionals, Rosemary offers sage advice: Determine what you’re good at and put those talents to their best use. Passion, she notes, may or may not emerge, but finding a role that offers productive engagement can be deeply satisfying.
“I think it’s also useful to think about work as you would any relationship and not be impatient or impulsive. There will be ups and downs. There will be good days and bad days. Over time, if it’s the right job at the right company, the pluses will outweigh the minuses.”