The Sheriffs Office has set up an advisory board to provide strategic advice aimed at steering the firm’s growth, development and governance.

Shahram Sharghy, who was appointed as in-house counsel for The Sheriffs Office in July 2015, will sit on the panel alongside John Hargrove, former Under Sheriff of Greater London, Philip Saunders, a principal legal officer at the City of London Corporation, Andrew Ewart-James and Nicholas Alexander, both experienced solicitors and authorised High Court Enforcement Officers.

Chosen for their expertise in the fields of law and High Court Enforcement, the advisory board members will meet three times per year on average to discuss ideas to further the company’s business objectives, such as new products and services, identify new markets and monitor business performance.

Recognised for his expertise in Legal 500, Shahram Sharghy is one of a very small number of barristers with extensive experience in the law surrounding the execution of a High Court writ and has advised on complex and high value cases, including those relating to third party claims or exempt goods.

John Hargrove was partner, then senior partner at solicitors Burchell & Ruston, as well as Deputy Sheriff, then Under Sheriff of Greater London. He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1988.

Philip Saunders has been a litigator for over 40 years. He is a principal legal officer in the Comptroller & City Solicitors Department for the City of London Corporation. Enforcement of judgments has formed a large part of Philip’s work over the years, particularly possession of land, commercial premises and dwellings.

Andrew Ewart-James and Nicholas Alexander are qualified solicitors and have been High Court Enforcement Officers since 2004, having previously held the positions of Under Sheriff for the County of Gloucestershire and the City of Gloucester respectively. Nicholas currently serves on the Board of Directors of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association.

Appointments to the board are for a one-year term, although both The Sheriffs Office and the board members can seek to renew for a second term.