Attorney Ronald J. Guild was instrumental in establishing a mutual insurance company to address malpractice insurance needs for small and midsize law firms. His efforts were crucial in creating the Illinois State Bar Association’s ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., which significantly helped these firms during the 1980s when malpractice insurance premiums were rapidly increasing or unavailable.
Jeff Strand, the current CEO of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., praised Guild’s business acumen, stating, “Ron always had a lot of insight into the right way to do things in business.” Guild was unique among board members for his deep understanding of business, seeing the insurance company not merely as an extension of the bar association.
Guild passed away from natural causes on February 23rd at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Susan Sweetra. Guild lived most of his life in Wheaton and the Near West Side of Chicago. Born in Geneva in 1928, Guild grew up in Wheaton, graduating from Wheaton Community High School before earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois in 1950. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army, serving in Korea during the Korean War.
After the war, Guild returned to school and earned a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1955. He began his law career at McDermott, Will & Schulte, later becoming a named partner at Teitelbaum, Wolfberg & Guild, specializing in real estate law. Guild was also an expert on mechanic’s liens, writing multiple articles for the state bar association on the subject.
In response to the malpractice insurance crisis for law firms in the 1980s, the state bar association appointed Guild to a special committee to explore forming a mutual insurance company. The committee’s favorable findings led to the formation of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. in 1988, effectively resolving the crisis.
Guild served voluntarily on ISBA Mutual’s board for 22 years, including as chair in 2005 and 2006. Strand noted, “For Ron, it was always not about the profit motive for the company but what are we doing to provide a service to the lawyers we’re choosing to do business with.” Guild retired from the board in 2009 but continued as an adviser for five years.
Beyond his professional life, Guild was actively involved in his community. In 1969, he was elected to the Wheaton Elementary School District 36 board. He also served as president of the Wheaton Community Association from 1975 to 1976, overseeing the July 4 fireworks displays. Guild had various hobbies, including restoring a cider press, and he formed a group to make wine and apple cider annually. He enjoyed sports and was a jazz fan, occasionally playing the bass.
In 2022, Guild participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C, a testament to his enduring spirit. He is survived by his daughter Susan, his partner Carroll Cradock, his son John, and two grandsons. A marriage to Marilyn Guild had ended in divorce.
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