answer:The Lord Mayor of the City of London is elected through a process that is unique to the City and steeped in tradition. The election involves the City's ancient governing body, the City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor is chosen from among the Aldermen of the City of London. To become eligible, a candidate must first have served as a Sheriff of the City of London and then be elected to the Court of Aldermen. Being an Alderman usually requires having been a successful business person and member of one of the City of London's Livery Companies. The election process is as follows: 1. **Nomination**: Each year, in late September or early October, two Aldermen, below the chair, who have not previously served as Lord Mayor and who have served as Sheriff, are nominated to stand for the position of Lord Mayor at the 'Common Hall' meeting held in Guildhall. This meeting is attended by Liverymen from all of the City’s Livery Companies, entities that traditionally represent the various trades in the City. 2. **Election**: The actual election of the Lord Mayor takes place at a subsequent Common Hall meeting on Michaelmas Day (29th September) or the nearest weekday. The Liverymen vote in this election, and a simple majority is usually decisive. 3. **Approval**: The name of the elected candidate is then submitted to the Sovereign (the King or Queen) at a ceremony in the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs are 'presented' and the Sovereign's approval is formally received. Historically, this was a practical endorsement, but in modern times, it is ceremonial. 4. **The Lord Mayor's Show**: Following the election, the new Lord Mayor's inauguration is marked in November by the Lord Mayor's Show, a public pageant and procession through the City of London that has been held since the 13th century. The new Lord Mayor officially takes office the Friday before the second Saturday in November. This whole process is full of historical custom, and though the role is mostly ceremonial, the Lord Mayor does have some official duties, particularly as a representative and ambassador for the City’s financial and business community. The Lord Mayor's term is for one year, and it is renewable, although typically, a Lord Mayor serves for only one term.

answer:In the City of London, there are historic associations known as Livery Companies, which are commonly referenced as "guilds." These encompass a variety of trades, crafts, and professions. Originally, these entities were established to regulate their respective trades or professions and to train new members through the apprenticeship system. As of my last update in March 2023, there were 110 Livery Companies recognized by the City of London Corporation. The number of Livery Companies has grown over time as new trades and professions have emerged and sought to establish their own guilds. The Livery Companies are ordered in a hierarchy of precedence that was largely established in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, starting with the twelve Great Livery Companies (in order of precedence): 1. Worshipful Company of Mercers 2. Worshipful Company of Grocers 3. Worshipful Company of Drapers 4. Worshipful Company of Fishmongers 5. Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths 6. Worshipful Company of Skinners and Merchant Taylors (who swap places annually) 7. Worshipful Company of Haberdashers 8. Worshipful Company of Salters 9. Worshipful Company of Ironmongers 10. Worshipful Company of Vintners 11. Worshipful Company of Clothworkers These and the other Livery Companies continue to play an important role in the City of London’s culture and governance and contribute to charitable and educational activities. They also partake in the ceremonial functions of the City, including the election of the Lord Mayor of London and the Sheriffs. The ranking and precedence of Companies established after the 91st position, the Worshipful Company of Carmen, is usually determined by the date of the grant of Livery by the Court of Aldermen.

answer:Carman and Mercer refer to two different traditional trades, and they are represented by their respective Livery Companies in the City of London. **Carman:** A "Carman" historically referred to someone who transported goods and materials by cart or wagon. Carriers or Carters, as they were also known, played a vital role in the economy, especially before the advent of the railway and motorized trucking, by enabling the distribution of goods to and from markets, ports, and warehouses. The Worshipful Company of Carmen represents individuals associated with this trade and has its roots in the transport and logistics profession. Today, their remit extends to all forms of transportation. **Mercer:** A "Mercer" is a merchant or trader, more specifically one dealing in textiles, especially fine silks and other luxury fabrics. The term is quite old, stretching back to medieval times when the trade and sale of cloth were major aspects of commerce. The Worshipful Company of Mercers is the premier Livery Company of the City of London, reflecting the historical importance and wealth associated with this trade. The Mercers' Company has long since diversified its interests and, like many modern Livery Companies, is involved in philanthropic activities, including the management of almshouses and educational institutions. Both the Carmen and the Mercers, through their respective Livery Companies, continue to have a role in London's civic life and charitable activities, maintaining the traditions and supporting the professions associated with their history.

answer:Yes, there is a Livery Company in the City of London that represents property professionals, including property lawyers, known as The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. Established in 1977 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1987, this company is one of the modern Livery Companies, reflecting the evolving nature of trade and professions in the City. While primarily focused on the field of surveying, members of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors also include individuals involved in various aspects of property work, such as valuation, land agency, property investment, and indeed aspects of property law. Its members are often professionals who are qualified as chartered surveyors, which can encompass those specializing in real estate and property law. It's important to note that the traditional term "lawyer" can encompass a range of legal professionals, including solicitors and barristers. Specific Livery Companies like the Worshipful Company of Solicitors and the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries (traditionally associated with barristers who become patent attorneys) are more directly linked to the legal profession. However, among the modern Livery Companies, the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors is the one most closely related to property law through its members' professional activities.