The district attorney of the twelfth judicial district shall receive no fees nor other compensation for official service in the district court. He shall represent the parish in the twelfth judicial district and other public boards therein, in all matters of litigation in which the parish or boards may have an interest, and shall be their legal advisor when so requested without extra compensation. In any litigation or business necessitating the attention or assistance of the district attorney outside of his judicial district, by either the parish or school board or other public boards, the district attorney shall be allowed and paid his expenses. Provided further that this Section shall not apply to any fees that are recovered as penalties in a civil suit where attorney's fees are made a part of the damages or penalties by statute, and in the forfeiture of fines.
La. R.S. § 16:273