SUBCHAPTER III—USE OF PRIVATE LEGAL RESOURCES

§4241. Authority to enter into contracts for private counsel

(a) In general

The Attorney General may enter into contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services, including representation in investigation, negotiation, compromise, settlement, litigation, and execution of judgments in the case of any civil action referred to in section 4201 of this title or section 4225 of this title.

(b) Terms and conditions

Each contract under subsection (a) shall include the provisions described in section 4244 of this title and such other terms and conditions as the Attorney General considers necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.

(c) Limitation of fee

The amount of the contingency fee payable for legal services furnished under a contract described in subsection (a) shall not exceed the contingency fee that counsel engaged in the private practice of law in the jurisdiction wherein the legal services are furnished typically charge clients for furnishing the same or comparable legal services.

(d) Contingent fees

Notwithstanding section 3302(b) of title 31, a contract under this section shall provide that a fee that the United States pays private counsel for services is payable from the amount recovered and shall be based on a percentage of the civil penalties or assets recovered.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2588, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4905.)

§4242. Contract decisions nonreviewable

Notwithstanding any other law, no court shall have jurisdiction over any claim based on the Attorney General's decision to refuse to enter into a contract for legal services referred to in section 4241 of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2589, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4905.)

§4243. Representation

Notwithstanding sections 516, 518(b), 519, and 547(2) of title 28, private counsel retained under section 4241 of this title may represent the United States in litigation in connection with legal services furnished pursuant to the contract entered into with that counsel, subject to the requirements specified in section 4244 of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2590, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4906.)

§4244. Contract provisions

A contract made with a private counsel under section 4241 of this title shall include—

(1) a provision permitting the Attorney General to terminate either the contract or the private counsel's representation of the United States in particular cases if the Attorney General finds that such action is in the best interests of the United States;

(2) a provision requiring private counsel to transmit monthly to the Attorney General a report on the services relating to matters handled pursuant to the contract during the preceding month and the progress made during that period; and

(3) a provision requiring that the initiation, settlement, dismissal, or compromise of a claim be approved by a duly appointed officer of the United States.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2591, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4906.)

§4245. Counterclaims

Any counterclaim filed in any action brought on behalf of the United States by private counsel retained under section 4241 of this title may not be asserted unless the counterclaim has been served directly on the Attorney General and the United States Attorney for the judicial district in which, or embracing the place in which, the action is pending. Such service shall be made in accordance with the rules of procedure of the court in which the action on behalf of the United States is pending.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2592, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4906.)

§4246. Awards of costs and fees to prevailing plaintiff

When the United States, through private counsel retained under this subchapter, prevails in any civil action, the court, in its discretion, may allow the United States reasonable attorney's fees and other expenses of litigation as part of the costs.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2593, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4906.)

§4247. Promulgation of regulations

The Attorney General may promulgate any rules, regulations, or guidelines that, in the Attorney General's judgment, are necessary and appropriate to the effective administration of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 101–647, title XXV, §2594, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4906.)