In all counties of the first class not having a charter form of government and containing all or part of a city with a population of over four hundred thousand inhabitants, the county counselor may, with the approval of the governing body of such county, employ special county counselors to represent such county in prosecuting or defending any suit by or against such county, or any official of such county acting in his official capacity. The county counselor may pay such special county counselors a reasonable compensation, which shall be fixed by the governing body of such county and paid out of such funds as the governing body may direct, for their services. Special county counselors employed under this section shall have the same qualifications required for county counselors under the provisions of section 56.631.

(L. 1978 S.B. 769)