The governing body of each second, third, and fourth class county^* in this state may, in its discretion, employ special counsel or an attorney to represent such county or counties in prosecuting or defending any suit or suits by or against such county or counties, and may pay to such special counsel or attorney reasonable compensation for his services, such compensation to be fixed by the governing body of such county and paid out of such funds as the governing body may direct. Such counsel or attorney shall be a duly licensed attorney and at least twenty-five years of age.