Ronald J. Guild: Instrumental Attorney and Community Figure

Attorney Ronald J. Guild played a crucial role in establishing a mutual insurance company to address the malpractice insurance needs of small and midsize law firms. His efforts led to the formation of the Illinois State Bar Association’s ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., greatly aiding these firms during a challenging period in the 1980s. Guild, known for his business acumen, served as a guiding figure for the company, providing sound decisions at a time when premiums were rising dramatically and coverage was scarce.

Jeff Strand, the CEO and president of ISBA Mutual Insurance Co., highlighted Guild’s unique perspective on business strategies. He noted Guild’s ability to steer the committee as a business entity rather than an extension of the bar association. Guild’s insightful approach helped stabilize the malpractice insurance market for law firms across Illinois.

“Ron always had a lot of insight into the right way to do things in business, and he was always the one board member (of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Co.) you could look to, to get a good, sound business decision,” said Strand.

Guild’s efforts led to the creation of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Co. in 1988, marking a pivotal moment that resolved the insurance crisis. Guild volunteered on the company’s board for over two decades, serving as chair in 2005 and 2006. He retired in 2009, yet continued advising the board for several years.

Born in Geneva in 1928, Guild was raised in Wheaton, graduating from Wheaton Community High School. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Guild served in Korea during the Korean War, as an artillery spotter for air strikes.

Upon returning, Guild pursued a law degree at the University of Illinois. He started his law career at McDermott, Will & Schulte before co-founding Teitelbaum, Wolfberg & Guild. Specializing in real estate law, Guild contributed extensively to the state bar association with his articles on mechanic’s liens.

Guild’s community engagement extended beyond his legal work. He was elected to Wheaton’s Elementary School District 36 board in 1969 and served as president of the Wheaton Community Association from 1975-1976. He was instrumental in organizing community events like July 4 fireworks displays.

A man of diverse interests, Guild restored a 19th-century cider press and enjoyed wine and cider-making with fellow families. His hobbies included volleyball, tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, dancing, bridge, and jazz. In 2022, Guild took part in Chicago’s first Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., post-pandemic.

Ronald J. Guild passed away on February 23 at the age of 97. He is survived by his daughter Susan Sweetra, his partner Carroll Cradock, a son named John, and two grandsons. His contributions to the legal community and dedication to his city remain evident through his legacy.