The county solicitor shall represent the State in all cases brought before the county court wherein the State is a party and shall have the same powers and perform the same duties with reference thereto as a circuit solicitor with reference to cases brought before the court of general sessions. He shall also attend all inquests held by the coroner, aid in procuring evidence and represent the State in the examination of witnesses at such inquests. And he shall ex officio be the legal adviser of the governing body of the county without extra compensation.