(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall utilize the Attorney General for all legal assistance and services as provided by law.
(b) The commissioner may:
(1) Employ a competent legal staff adequate for the ordinary legal services required by him or her and shall provide therefor such quarters, equipment, facilities, services and stenographic and other personnel as may be necessary: Provided, That for purposes of this subdivision, “ordinary legal services” does not include the retention or hiring of outside legal counsel; and