§ 12. Counsel to the commission; duties. It shall be the duty of counsel to the commission, subject to the direction of the chairman, to represent and appear for the people of the state and the commission in all actions and proceedings involving any question under this chapter, or within the jurisdiction of the commission, and, if directed to do so to intervene, if possible, in any action or proceeding in which any such question is involved; to commence and prosecute all actions and proceedings directed or authorized, and to expedite in every way possible final determination of all such actions and proceedings; and generally to perform all duties and services delegated to or required of him.