§ 49-01-09 — Attorneys for public service commission - Attorney general - State's attorney - Duties - Additional counsel - Compensation

attorney - Duties - Additional counsel - Compensation.
The attorney general shall be ex officio attorney for the commission and personally or
through commerce counsel shall:
1. Give to the commission such counsel, advice, and assistance necessary for the proper
discharge of its powers and duties.
2. Appear for, and represent, the state at all hearings of the commission or appeals
therefrom when necessary.
3. Institute, prosecute, or defend any action or proceeding which the commission may
deem proper and expedient.
The state's attorney in any county, on request of the commission, shall institute, prosecute,
appear in, and defend for the commission any and all actions and proceedings which the
commission may institute and prosecute or to which the commission is a party. The commission
may employ additional counsel to assist such attorney general or state's attorney, when in its
judgment the exigencies of the case may require. The fee of such additional counsel shall be
determined by the commission and approved by the office of management and budget and paid
out of funds appropriated for such purpose.