Ala. Code § 45-49A-63.132
It shall be the duty of the city attorney to give advice to the board in all matters pertaining to the duties of the board whenever requested to do so; to represent and defend the board and its individual members in all suits and actions at law or in equity that may be brought against the board, its individual members or the city in connection with this plan; and to bring all suits and actions in the board's behalf that may be approved by the board, other than suits against the city and its agencies. However, nothing in this section shall in any way limit the board's authority to employ such outside legal counsel as it may see fit in any matter relating to its duties under this plan and to pay reasonable attorney's fees out of the fund.
Ala. Code § 45-49A-63.132 (1975)