An investigation into why this firm was hired is currently under way.

The firm was given access to their computer and hired an expert to examine it.

A consulting firm was hired to study the entire state pension system.

An employment agency is a firm hired by a company to help with its staffing needs.

Mr. Smith said the firm had been hired by about 15 companies to lobby on the bill.

The agency records show that some firms were also hired without competitive bidding.

Mr. Little then said that the firm "would never have been hired but for those political connections."

They include hiring private firms to run the county's golf courses and sewer operations.

Two cost-estimator firms hired by the state had estimated in March that the sports center would cost about $21 million.

"Well, see, she's a potential juror in a big trial, and my firm has been hired to conduct a thorough investigation into her background."