Ronald J. Guild: A Pioneer in Legal Malpractice Coverage

Attorney Ronald J. Guild played a pivotal role in establishing a mutual insurance company aimed at providing essential malpractice insurance to small and midsize law firms. This initiative addressed the soaring premiums and coverage gaps these firms faced during the 1980s.

Guild’s Impact on the Illinois State Bar Association

Ronald Guild was instrumental in forming the Illinois State Bar Association’s ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. His actions significantly benefited law firms struggling with malpractice insurance issues. Jeff Strand, CEO and President of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., noted Guild’s business acumen, differentiating him from other board members who primarily focused on legal practices.

“Ron always had a lot of insight into the right way to do things in business.”

Guild’s Life and Career

Guild passed away from natural causes at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Susan Sweetra. A former resident of the Near West Side and Wheaton, he was born in Geneva and grew up in Wheaton.

After graduating from Wheaton Community High School, Guild earned a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Commissioned as a second lieutenant during the Korean War, Guild served in the Army’s coast artillery corps.

Returning home, he pursued a law degree at the University of Illinois. He practiced law at McDermott, Will & Schulte and Teitelbaum, Wolfberg & Guild, specializing in real estate law, with expertise in mechanic’s liens.

Involvement in Insurance Company Formation

• In the 1980s, Guild was appointed to a committee to explore forming a mutual insurance company.
• The committee’s findings led to the creation of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. in 1988.
• He served on the company’s board for 22 years, becoming chair in 2005 and 2006.

Strand highlighted Guild’s focus on providing services rather than prioritizing profit. Guild retired from the board in 2009 but continued advising until 2014.

“For Ron, it was always not about the profit motive… but providing a service.”

Personal and Community Life

Guild was actively involved in Wheaton’s community, serving on the Elementary School District 36 board in 1969. He was president of the Wheaton Community Association from 1975 to 1976.

He restored a 19th-century cider press and formed a group creating wine and cider. He enjoyed sports like volleyball, tennis, and golf, along with jazz music, playing the bass occasionally.

In 2022, Guild participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Guild’s marriage to Marilyn Guild ended in divorce. He is survived by his partner Carroll Cradock, a son John, and two grandsons. Services were held following his passing.