City of London Solicitors Company (CLSC) Newsletter

Autumn 2024 Edition

Welcome to the CLSC Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the CLSC newsletter, where we keep you updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities for City solicitors who are members or interested in joining our livery company. We are delighted to share with you some of the highlights of recent and the upcoming activities that you don't want to miss.

Click here to watch a short welcome video from our new Master, Ed Parker.

In this edition:

Upcoming Activities and Dates for Your Diary – events you shouldn’t miss!

CLSC Successes – where the CLSC makes a real difference

CLSC Heroes – formal awards and recognition for the impactful work our Livery members

CLSC supports In-House Counsel: Spread the Word!

What is the CLSC?

The City of London Solicitors Company is the Livery Company for private practice and in-house solicitors who practise (or have practised) in the City of London.

In common with many of the City Livery Companies, the Company's objectives as a Worshipful Livery Company include commitments to professional fellowship, charity, education and social engagement. Our motto is 'Lex Libertatis Origo', or 'Law is the Source of Liberty'.

Underlying our objectives and commitments the Company has adopted a unifying purpose, common to all our Members, of promoting the understanding of, and respect for, the Rule of Law. We value the Rule of Law and the role it plays in contributing to a free, prosperous and fair society.

As a Company, we are proud of our work on access to justice through our charitable giving, in encouraging and recognising professional contributions to the Rule of Law, and in encouraging the discussion of the importance of the Rule of Law and the part our members play in upholding it.

Upcoming Activities and Dates for Your Diary

We are inclusive, welcoming a diverse membership giving everyone opportunities to socialise and network across the profession and the City.

Here are some of the upcoming special events for CLSC members, for your diary:

Supporting our Up and Coming Members:

Lucky Girls II, networking masterclass with Esther Stanhope, Weil Gotshal, 16 October 2024

Join us for a practical, interactive 2-hour masterclass with Esther Stanhope, "The Impact Guru", focused on mastering networking skills. Designed for early-career women lawyers, but open to all, the session will cover effective networking strategies and the science behind social success. Held at Weil, Gotshal & Manges offices, the event is followed by networking drinks and supports our Charitable Fund. Click here to watch Esther Stanhope and immediate Past Master Sarah de Gay discuss what skills you can obtain from the Lucky Girls II event. Book now for October's impactful afternoon! [Sold out]

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Celebrating the City:

Celebration of Impact, Armourers’ Hall, 1 October 2024

Join us for our CLSC Celebration of Impact. Enjoy a buffet supper, meet award winners, explore our Charitable Fund’s achievements, and learn about our Committees. Discover how to get involved and network with fellow members. Guests and prospective members are welcome. Click here to book. Click here to watch Lee McLernon discuss his role as Steward and why this Celebration of Impact evening is an unmissable event.

Livery Climate Action Group Conference, Merchant Taylor’s Hall, 22 October 2024

The event will be inaugurated by the Rt Hon Lord Mayor Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli. Allan Barton will outline challenges, followed by panels discussing future steps in water, energy, biodiversity, and skills. Keynote speakers include Prof. Thom Waite on health and climate change and Dr. Emma Howard-Boyd on the London Climate Resilience Review. The Institute of Physics and the Institution of Environmental Sciences will showcase displays, while six schools and Walsall Academy will present their innovative ideas. Click here to book.

Lord Mayor’s Show, 9 Nov 2024

Experience the world’s oldest and most vibrant civic procession, starting at 11 am from Mansion House. This historic event celebrates the Lord Mayor of London making their? ?traditional journey to Westminster, showcasing over 800 years of tradition. The Company has limited space available, so please contact Liz Thomas if you would like to express your interest. Alternatively, come and watch the show on the day. It is a highlight of the City calendar and a day like no other!

Livery Dinner, Vintners’ Hall, 11 November 2024

Join us for an elegant dinner hosted for Livery members and their guests. This prestigious event offers a social dining experience, fostering networking and friendship among industry leaders and peers. Enjoy a night of distinguished company, engaging conversations, and exceptional cuisine in a setting that celebrates tradition and excellence. Contact the Clerk to register your interest.

Chablis and Burgundy Wine Tasting, Bishopsgate,? 21 November 2024

Join us for a walk around tasting of Chablis and Burgundy wines situated in a stunning contemporary setting. Building on the success of the previous CLSC Wine Tasting Event in March 2024, also organised by our fabulous CLSC Wine Committee, we welcome you to join this exceptional event. ?Don’t miss out, book here now.

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Carol Service (and reception/supper), St Mary-le-Bow Church, 12 December 2024

Details to follow

Mansion House Banquet, 25 February 2025

Details to follow

We hope that you will join us for these exciting activities, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Look out for further details on each of these events from the Clerk and register early!

CLSC Successes

The 5th Annual Cadets’ Careers Event

A huge congratulations to Mary-Ann Wright, the Chair of the Livery Committee, supported by Steward Lee McLernon, for organising and hosting the army cadets of 7 Company GLSE Sector 74 Fusiliers for the 5th annual Cadets’ Careers Event on 23 July 2024, very generously held at the offices of Livery member, Laura Devine.

An open event, which has a profound impact on the young cadets, introduces a diverse range of speakers welcoming the importance and application of the Rule of Law. With initial funding from the Company, this year’s event saw to the launch of the Cadets’ Book Club initiative, aiming to develop the discussion and analysis skills of the cadets. This event allows the young people to engage with enjoyable literacy activities and to assist them in preparation for the inter Livery debating competition later this year, where the cadets’ entry is being sponsored by the Company for the second time.

Maj Katehis, Officer Commanding, 7Coy, Greater London, South East Sector, Army Cadet Force:

“Please do not underestimate the impact this event and the support of The Solicitor’s Company has on our Cadets. We are hugely grateful to The Solicitor’s Company for being so engaged with the Cadets. Taking the time to meet and engage with them; it's very special. Your collative kindness and authenticity are very dear to us, and I would be grateful if you would extend this sentiment to the rest of the Company.? I know how much you all champion the Cadets, so it’s important to share, celebrate and document the impact your support is having.”

Our Charitable Activities

The CLSC ?Charitable Fund supports charities with a connection to the City and/or the profession, with an emphasis on access to justice and social mobility, with our aim being to encourage and extend that "giving" through the individual donations of our members.

This year the charitable funder is making donations of ￡20,000 across charities primarily focused on Access to Justice, Prison Charities and City Initiatives.?

CLSC Heroes

Huge congratulations to members of the CLSC Livery whose exceptional recognitions and accomplishments have recently been formally recognised. Click on the links below to our CLSC LinkedIn account to congratulate our CLSC heroes, and to like and share:

Joanna Hughes, IFLR Hall of Fame Award, Social Impact Awards

Joanna has received the IFLR Legal Benchmarking Group Hall of Fame Award for her achievement in Solicitor Apprentices and Apprenticeships.

Professor Hilary Meredith-Beckham, Law Society Hero Nomination

Hilary has been shortlisted for the 2024 Law Society Heroes for her pro bono work and advocacy for members and veterans of the armed forces.

CLSC Supports In-House Counsel: Spread the Word!

The City of London Solicitors Company is the perfect home and support network for in-house counsel based in the City. Our Livery member, Matthew Dineen, who is in-house counsel at LocatED and a newly appointed member of the CLSC Communications Committee, would be delighted to hear from other in-house counsel who are already members of the Company or are interested to join - please do get in touch with Matthew via the Clerk. ?

We would also greatly appreciate if existing CLSC members could share this newsletter with friends and contacts who are in-house counsel in the City of London, and invite them to get in touch with Matthew too.

Why Join the CLSC?

By joining the CLSC, you will become part of a prestigious and influential network of solicitors who work in the City of London. You will also enjoy the following benefits:

·?????? Access to exclusive events, seminars, workshops, and social gatherings throughout the year, where you can meet and learn from leading experts and peers in your field.

·?????? Opportunities to contribute to the development and promotion of the legal profession and the City of London, through our committees, working groups, and publications.

·?????? Support for your professional development and career progression, through our mentoring scheme, awards, and scholarships.

·?????? Participation in the charitable and civic activities of the CLSC, such as supporting the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and the City of London Corporation, and raising funds for various causes and charities.

If you are interested in joining the CLSC, please visit the Membership Section on our website? Worshipful Company of Solicitors (citysolicitors.org) for further information.

Until Next Time

Thank you for reading the CLSC newsletter. We hope that you found it useful and enjoyable. Please share it with your colleagues and friends who might be interested in joining the CLSC or attending our events.

We value your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve our newsletter and our activities to support CLSC members. Please feel free to contact the Chair of the CLSC Communications Committee, Clare Murray, especially if you are enthusiastic and would like to get involved! We appreciate your time and input.

Follow us on LinkedIn at City of London Solicitors Company, on X @CLSC2 and on Instagram @cityoflondonsolicitorscompany for more updates a