The commission, under the provisions of the merit system, shall have the authority to appoint or employ attorneys, officers, and such accountants, engineers, experts, inspectors, clerks and other employees as are necessary or expedient to carry out the duties conferred by law upon the commission, and the salaries therefor shall be fixed according to the provisions of the merit system. The commission shall also, by and with the approval of the Governor, have authority to employ and discharge special counsel or attorneys as it may be deemed necessary for such purpose.