To my knowledge (years ago I did SEC compliance for a Dow Index utility holding company), independent auditors have always reviewed and blessed the entire 10-K report prior to filing. You're right in that the text of the report, including the exhibit list is usually a primary responsibility of inside or outside counsel. Outside auditors do, however, have joint primary responsibility for any 10-K language related to the financials or for any text or exhibits required under a standard of materiality.
As the SEC exhibit requirements for material contracts are based, in part, on materiality, the outside auditors pay close attention to review and approval of this section.
By way of written indication of the independent auditors' involvement in the 10-K and related SEC filings, the following is from an appendix to IDCC's 2002 Proxy Statement:
InterDigital Communications Corporation Audit Committee Charter
Responsibilities *** Shortly after the [my note: independent auditor's] annual examination is completed, the Committee will review the following [my emphasis] with management and the independent public accountants: - The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Company's financial statements and related footnotes. - The independent public accountants' audit of and report on the financial statements. - Any matters the independent public accountants determine are required to be discussed with the Committee pursuant to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61. - Any serious difficulties, disagreements or disputes with management encountered during the course of the audit. - The management recommendation letter on accounting procedures and controls prepared by the Company's independent public accountants and any other reports and management's responses concerning such reports. - Anything else about the audit procedures or findings that Generally Accepted Auditing Standards requires the independent public accountant to discuss with the Committee.