Join Us
A Brief Introduction and Why You Might Like to Join and Progress
Who are we?
We are one of the 112 Livery Companies of the City of London, the second oldest of the 35 ‘modern’ companies. We were formed in 1908 and granted Livery status in 1944. We are not the same as the City of London Law Society (CLLS), but we are closely linked and share common origins. The focus of the CLLS is on looking after City of London law firms and being their voice on professional and public policy issues. We concentrate on looking after individual members, promoting their interests and involving them in the social, charitable and personal developmental activities of the Company and the City of London.
What do we stand for?
Our guiding principles are integrity, collegiality and charity. We organise events and activities that foster inclusivity, diversity and networking across the profession and the City. We support charities with a connection to the City and/or the profession, especially those that promote access to justice and social mobility. We also run educational projects that help aspiring lawyers from under-represented and socially mobile backgrounds and fund training for social welfare solicitors.
What do we do?
We offer a range of events and activities that cater to different interests and career stages of our members.
These include:
- Dining events, such as our Banquet at Mansion House and our Black Tie Dinner at one of the Livery Halls.
- Sports teams, such as rugby, netball, football, tennis, golf, clay-pigeon shooting, bridge, skiing and croquet teams.
- Societies, such as our History Society and others in the pipeline.
- Professional development, such as our ‘Food for Thought’ lecture series, our annual ‘Master’s Lecture’, our ‘Celebration of Impact’ and our ‘Lucky Girls’ events.
- Involvement in charities and CSR, through our charities committee and charitable fund.
- Walking tours, visits, quizzes, wine tastings, general lectures and group attendance at other events, such as the Sheriffs’ Ball and military pageants.
- Invitations to events organised by other Livery Companies, especially those in the Financial Services Group (FSG), which we belong to. We also parade in the Lord Mayor’s Show and have received extensive television coverage in recent years.
- Links with the armed forces, especially the Army and RAF Legal Services and the 71st London Irish Rifle Cadet Detachment, which we support financially and socially.
- Support in hard times, with our Almoner providing help and connection to professional organisations to our members in needs of assistance.
What are the benefits of joining us?
By joining us, you will become part of a historic and vibrant community that supports City solicitors and your personal and professional growth. You will have access to exclusive opportunities and experiences that you may not get elsewhere.
When you unlock the benefits, the Company has to offer, you access the overarching and pervasive benefit of ‘fellowship’, not just with fellow City solicitors but with those involved in the wider livery movement.
You will also be able to contribute to the charitable and educational causes that we champion and make a difference to the lives of others. You can also have a voice and a role in the governance of the City of London, with opportunities to vote for the Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor and participate in the Common Hall meetings.
We are here for you in your 20s and will still be here for you in your 90s. We have members of all ages.
How do you join us? Freedom of the Company, Freedom of the City, Livery
To join us, you must be or have been a solicitor and must practise or have practised in the City of London or Canary Wharf. Private practice, in-house lawyers, solicitors working for government and the armed forces can all join.
- Freedom of the Company: You must first apply for the Freedom of the Company, which involves a short optional ceremony in front of our Court (the governing body of the Company): https://members.citysolicitors.org/application.
- Freedom of the City: Optionally, you can then apply for the Freedom of the City of London, which is a historic honour and a mark of your connection to the City:
Further information on the process can be found here. When you are ready to apply, please click here for an application form. - Livery: Finally, and also optionally, you can then take the Livery and enjoy all the rights and privileges of the Company. You can also get involved in helping to run the Company by joining one of our committees or standing for election to the Court: Please click here for an application form.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge to join; the annual subscription for being a member (a Freeman) of the Company is £300.
If you currently work for one of the City Law Firms which pays a corporate subscription to the CLLS, you are exempt from this fee (while you remain at a CLLS member firm).
When you proceed to take the Livery of the Company, there is a one-off fee of £500, which pays for your Livery Medal and your first Livery Dinner, and the annual fee is then also £300.
Given that charitable support to those in need is at the heart of the Company we also expect a suitable annual donation to our Charitable fund.
How do I find a proposer and seconder to take Freedom of the Company?
You will need a proposer and seconder. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone, just e-mail our Deputy Clerk, and we will arrange the necessary introductions for you. We will also invite you to a Prospective Members Event.
Application Forms
Links to our application forms for Freedom of the Company, Freedom of the City, Livery are all above, or you can click on the QR Codes below. Alternatively, please e-mail the Deputy Clerk on deputyclerk@citysolicitors.org.uk.
Application to join CLSC
Freedom of the City of London
Apply for Livery status