The commission may employ counsel to represent it in proceedings before it on application, complaint, or otherwise, and proceedings of any nature in any and all courts or before administrative or executive boards and to act as legal advisers to the commission in all matters for which their services, in the opinion of the commission, are required. The compensation of such counsel shall be fixed by the commission and shall be paid as are other employees of the commission. The commission shall notify the Attorney General of any action or suit brought against the commission.