Little Firm, Big Contract

A small New York law firm has landed a notable government contract - advising the special inspector general of the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The $375,000 contract for one base and two option years was awarded in late December to seven-lawyer Kranjac Manuali & Viskovic, a corporate transactional boutique.

According to the firm, its primary duties will be advising the special inspector general’s office on:

• The rights and obligations under agreements entered into by TARP program participants, vendors, and the Treasury Department

• Corporate law issues, including formations, acquisitions, sales, joint ventures, mergers, governance matters, conflicts of interest issues, public offerings, reorganizations and taxation

• Banking law issues, including charters, holding companies, reporting requirements, fund transfers, credit facilities, structured derivative products and capitalizations

• Securities law issues, including issuances, registrations, purchases and sales, underwritings, proxies and fiduciary duties.

A spokesperson from the inspector general’s office said no other law firms have been retained for similar services.

“We are honored to have been selected to assist SIGTARP with its critical oversight of the TARP program,” said firm partner Mauro Viskovic, who along with partner Mario Kranjac will have primary responsibility for the contract.

Comments

[Paul]

Is it common for an Inspector General's office to retain outside counsel?