Attorney Ronald J. Guild played a crucial role in establishing a mutual insurance company to provide malpractice insurance to small and midsize law firms. His efforts addressed a significant gap in coverage, especially during the 1980s when law firms faced rising malpractice insurance premiums and dwindling options.
Guild’s Role with ISBA Mutual Insurance Company
Guild was instrumental in the formation of the Illinois State Bar Association’s ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. His work provided vital support to law firms struggling with malpractice insurance issues. Jeff Strand, current CEO and president of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., praised Guild’s business acumen. “Ron always had a lot of insight into the right way to do things in business,” Strand said.
Guild understood the insurance company as a business entity, not just an extension of the bar association. This perspective helped guide the company to support many law firms effectively.
Life and Career
Guild passed away at 97 in Rogers Park. His daughter, Susan Sweetra, confirmed his death, which occurred at Birchwood Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in 1928 in Geneva, Guild grew up in Wheaton, graduated from Wheaton Community High School, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1950.
He served in Korea during the Korean War as an artillery spotter. After returning, Guild earned a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1955. He started his law career at McDermott, Will & Schulte and later joined Teitelbaum, Wolfberg & Guild. Guild specialized in real estate law, focusing on mechanic’s liens. His expertise led him to publish several articles for the state bar association.
Addressing the Insurance Crisis
Due to the malpractice insurance crisis affecting small and midsize law firms, Guild was appointed to a committee to explore creating a mutual insurance company. His team’s conclusion led to the establishment of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. in 1988, resolving the crisis. Guild served on its board for 22 years, including as chair in 2005 and 2006.
Strand noted Guild’s focus on service rather than profit. Even after retiring from the board in 2009, Guild continued advising the board until 2014.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Guild was active in community affairs, serving on the Wheaton Elementary School District board and as president of the Wheaton Community Association. He once restored a 19th-century cider press and enjoyed making wine and cider with friends. His hobbies included playing various sports, dancing, and enjoying jazz music.
In 2022, Guild took part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., as part of the first such trip from Chicago post-COVID-19 pandemic.
He is survived by his daughter and son, two grandsons, and his partner, Carroll Cradock. Guild also had a marriage that ended in divorce.