Lord Mayor's Show
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a spectacle steeped in over 800 years of history, tracing its origins to the 1215 Charter of London. This charter mandated the newly elected Lord Mayor to journey from the City of London to the City of Westminster, pledging loyalty to the Crown. This tradition has evolved into a grand procession, where the Lord Mayor is presented to the Chief Justices at the Royal Courts. Today, the event is a fusion of historical pageantry and contemporary celebration, featuring over 6,000 participants, including businesses, Livery Companies, and various community groups. The streets are adorned with half a million spectators, while millions more join the festivities through television broadcasts, including the BBC.
Alderwomen Dame Susan Langley DBE is designated to become the 697th Lord Mayor of London, only the third woman to hold the office and the first to use the title ‘Lady Mayor’. Her theme for this years’ Parade is ‘The Soul of London’.
Since 1980, the City of London Solicitors’ Company has been an unwavering participant in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
Our entry this year, themed “City Solicitors – The Life & Soul of the ex-parte” will showcase the personality of solicitors through music and art as well as the indispensable role of solicitors in shaping the legal landscape and supporting the City’s position as a global centre for legal services.
We rely solely on the very generous contributions from City law firms like yours to ensure that the Company is able to support and take part in this unique and historic event. Please contact clerk@citysolicitors.org.uk to find out how you can contribute.
A Journey Through History: The Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a spectacle steeped in over 800 years of history, tracing its origins to the 1215 Charter of London. This charter mandated the newly elected Lord Mayor to journey from the City of London to the City of Westminster, pledging loyalty to the Crown. This tradition has evolved into a grand procession, where the Lord Mayor shows themselves to the people of the City and is presented to the Chief Justices at the Royal Courts. Today, the event is a fusion of historical pageantry and contemporary celebration, featuring over 6,000 participants, including businesses, Livery Companies, military units and various community groups. The show is viewed by half a million spectators lining the route, while millions more join the festivities through television broadcasts, including the BBC.
The City of London Solicitors Company: our Lord Mayors
The CLSC has a proud tradition of producing Lord Mayors including:
Sir William Waterlow 1929
Sir William P Neal 1930
Sir Cullum Welch 1956
Sir Christopher Walford 1994
Sir Richard Nichols 1997
This century we have had five Lord Mayors:
Sir Robert Finch 2003 – Linklaters LLP
Sir David Lewis 2007 – Norton Rose LLP
Sir David Wootton 2011 – Allen & Overy LLP
Dame Fiona Woolf 2013 – CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
Alderman Vincent Keaveny 2021 – DLA Piper UK LLP
The City of London Solicitors’ Company: The Life & Soul of the Ex-Parte
Since 1980, the City of London Solicitors’ Company has been an unwavering participant in the Lord Mayor’s Show. Our entry this year is themed “City Solicitors – The Life & Soul of the ex-parte” and will showcase the personality of solicitors through music and art as well as the indispensable role of solicitors in shaping the legal landscape and supporting the City’s position as a global centre for legal services.
We are collaborating with the renowned Mahogany Carnival Design – https://www.mahoganycarnival.com, who we have partnered with for several previous parades to craft a visual narrative that captures our profession’s dynamism and heritage.
This year we are particularly keen to encourage solicitor apprentices to take part in our ‘parte’ float, alongside the Cadets from 7 Company Army Cadet Force. The legal sector is evolving, and so are the routes to qualifications. Supporting solicitor apprentices isn’t just about compliance or diversity quotas; it’s about cultivating resilient, high-potential professionals who reflect the world we serve. The City of London Solicitors’ Company aligns with this vision, and this parade offers firms a platform to celebrate and elevate apprentices while advancing social mobility across the profession. Their presence, together with your support will showcase the profession’s commitment and position in championing social mobility and inclusive talent development.
We rely solely on the very generous contributions from City law firms to ensure that the Company is able to support and take part in this unique and historic event. Please contact clerk@citysolicitors.org.uk to find out how you can contribute.
Benefits of Participation: Enhancing Your Firm’s Prestige and Community Engagement
We hope you will join us in celebrating the legal profession’s rich history and bright future. By supporting our float, your firm will gain:
Visibility and Recognition:
Your firm’s name will be associated with a historic event, enhancing your brand’s prestige.
Media Exposure:
Our eye-catching costumes and themes often attract significant media attention. We regularly feature in the BBC’s coverage.
City Solicitor
We will showcase your contribution on our website, in our “City Solicitor” magazine and on our social media platforms.
Community Engagement:Participation
demonstrates your firm’s commitment to the City’s cultural heritage and its diverse community.
Employee Engagement:
Volunteering opportunities boost morale and provide a memorable team-building experience for your colleagues who would like to volunteer.
Join the Procession: A Call for Volunteers
We also extend an invitation for your colleagues to participate in the procession. Those interested can contat clerk@citysolicitors.org.uk
Who will be the next Lord Mayor?
Subject to election at Common Hall in September, It is expected that Dame Susan Langley will be elected for 2025/2026.
Dame Susan Langley is currently chair of insurer Gallagher UK and NED of UK Asset Resolution. She was nominated by her fellow Aldermen in June; officially, the Aldermen indicate who they support for the role, the election being attended by the City’s Liverymen. Susan has been Alderwoman for Aldgate Ward since her election in 2018 and fulfilled the role of Aldermanic Sheriff in 2023/2024.
A true Londoner, Susan was born in East Ham and grew up in Essex. Her career has included roles in PricewaterhouseCoopers as well as being COO of Hiscox insurance, and working with Lloyd’s of London before joining the Board of Trade where she became the CEO.
Langley was awarded the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2023. She has been a steadfast figure in the City of London’s civic landscape, dedicating her time and energy to public service.
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2024 Supporters
Addleshaw Goddard
Baker & McKenzie
Blackfords
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Burges Salmon
Charles Russell Speechlys
Clifford Chance
Clyde & Co
DAC Beachcroft
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Dentons
Druces
Eversheds Sutherland
Fenchurch Law
Fox Williams
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hogan Lovells
Kingsley Napley
Linklaters
Macfarlanes
Maurice Turnor Gardner
Mayer Brown International
Norton Rose Fulbright
Ogletree Deakins
Sackers
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Squire Patton Boggs
Sullivan & Cromwell
Trowers & Hamlins
Weil Gotshal & Manges
White & Case
Candy Johnson Freeman
Ed John Street Mountford
Su-Ling Voon