§ 8. Counsel. There shall be a counsel of the department to be appointed by the commissioner and who shall serve during the pleasure of the commissioner. The counsel of the department shall represent and appear for the department in all actions and proceedings involving any question under this chapter or within the jurisdiction of the department under any general or special law or under or in reference to any act, order or proceeding of or before the commissioner, and shall, when directed, intervene, if possible, in behalf of the department in any action or proceeding involving or relating to any matter within the jurisdiction or powers of the department as herein prescribed, except that the attorney-general of the state shall continue to have direct charge of and bring such actions as he may deem necessary for any and all violations of this chapter. The said counsel shall, also, act as counsel for any officer of the department in the conduct of a hearing, investigation or inquiry instituted under authority of the department or as provided in this chapter. He shall advise the commissioner or any officer of the department, when so requested, in regard to all matters in connection with their powers and duties, and perform generally all duties and services as counsel of the department which may reasonably be required of him.