London-based Woodsford Litigation Funding on Monday announced the launch of its first U.S. office in Philadelphia and said it has brought on board Shira Scheindlin, the former New York federal judge, as an adviser to help vet potential cases for investment.

It's the latest sign that the business of investing in lawsuits is booming in the United States, with other foreign-based funders like Bentham IMF and Therium Inc. also expanding their U.S. operations through new hires and offices.

Scheindlin, who retired from the bench last year and is perhaps best known for ruling against the New York Police Department's stop-and-frisk policies, will join Woodsford as a member of its Investment Advisory Panel, the funder announced in a press release. The panel gives the final sign-off to invest in a case after an initial due diligence process.