Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 21. Budget and State Accounts § 21.162

Sec. 2. Whenever it shall be necessary to protect or assert the right or title of the state to any property so received or derived as aforesaid, or to collect or reduce into possession any bond, note, bill or chose in action, the attorney general is directed to take the necessary and proper proceedings and to bring suit in the name of the state in any court of competent jurisdiction, state or federal, and to prosecute all such suits; and is authorized to employ counsel to be associated with him in such suits and actions, who, with him, shall fully represent the state and shall be entitled to reasonable compensation out of the recoveries or collections in such suits and actions.