(a)      This section does not apply to a unit in the Department to the extent that the unit is authorized by law to employ its own legal adviser or counsel.

      (b)      The Attorney General is legal adviser to the Department.

      (c)      The Attorney General shall assign to the Department the number of assistant attorneys general authorized by law for the Department and its units.

      (d)      (1)      The Attorney General shall designate 1 of the assistant attorneys general assigned to the Department as counsel to the Department. After the Attorney General designates the counsel to the Department, the Attorney General may not reassign the counsel without consulting the Secretary.

            (2)      The counsel may have no duty other than to give the legal aid, advice, and counsel required by the Secretary or any other official of the Department, to supervise the other assistant attorneys general assigned to the Department, and to perform for the Department the duties that the Attorney General assigns. The counsel shall perform these duties subject to the control and supervision of the Attorney General.