Attorney Ronald J. Guild was instrumental in creating a mutual insurance company that addressed malpractice insurance needs for small and midsize law firms. His work with the Illinois State Bar Association’s ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. offered a crucial solution during the 1980s, a period when these firms faced significant premium hikes and coverage gaps.
According to Jeff Strand, ISBA Mutual Insurance Co.’s CEO and president, Guild had exceptional business insight. He emphasized business decisions over legal extensions of the bar association, a view not widely held among his peers on the board who mainly focused on legal practice.
“Ron always had a lot of insight into the right way to do things in business,” Strand stated. “He understood it as a business, not an extension of the bar association.”
Guild passed away from natural causes on February 23 at Birchwood Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rogers Park at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Susan Sweetra. He had a longstanding presence in Chicago, having previously lived in Wheaton and the Near West Side.
Born in Geneva in 1928, Guild grew up in Wheaton, graduating from Wheaton Community High School. He earned a journalism bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1950. He then served as a second lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War, working as an artillery spotter.
Returning to the U.S., Guild obtained a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1955. His early legal career included roles at McDermott, Will & Schulte and later as a partner at Teitelbaum, Wolfberg & Guild. He specialized in real estate law, notably in the area of mechanic’s liens – a field in which he became an authority.
During the 1980s malpractice insurance crisis, Guild was appointed to a special committee by the state bar association. The committee recommended forming the ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., which launched in 1988 and helped stabilize the situation for law firms. Guild served as a board member until 2009, even chairing it in 2005 and 2006.
Strand recalled Guild’s commitment to service over profit. “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,” he said.
Beyond his impactful law career, Guild took part in community activities. In 1969, he was elected to Wheaton’s Elementary School District 36 board. He later presided over the Wheaton Community Association, overseeing July 4 fireworks displays.
Guild’s interests were diverse. He restored a cider press and produced wine and apple cider. His recreational activities included volleyball, tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, dancing, and playing bridge. A jazz enthusiast, he occasionally played the bass.
In 2022, he participated in the first Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., from Chicago post-pandemic. Guild’s marriage to Marilyn Guild ended in divorce. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Sweetra, partner Carroll Cradock, son John, and two grandsons.
Services have been held. The information is reported by freelance journalist Bob Goldsborough.