Notwithstanding Section 11043, the department may employ such persons as are necessary to provide house legal counsel for the department. These persons may advise the director, officers, employees, boards, commissions, and offices of the department concerning legal affairs of the department. The official legal adviser concerning the department’s interdepartmental powers, functions, and relationships with other departments is the Attorney General. House legal counsel for the department when authorized by the Attorney General may represent the department and the state in litigation concerning affairs of the department.