Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-6-1705

(a) Counsel for the treasury department shall serve as the attorney to the commission.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or any other law to the contrary, in cases where the interest of the commission requires additional counsel, the treasurer, with the approval of the attorney general and reporter, is authorized to contract with such additional counsel, who shall be paid such compensation for services as the treasurer may deem just.