Section 7610. Defense of claims

(a)  The  superintendent  may,  in his
  discretion, designate or appoint a  duly  authorized  representative  to
  appear  before  any  court or other body or official having jurisdiction
  and defend any action or proceeding against principals  or  assureds  on
  insurance  policies or bonds issued to them where the insurer has become
  insolvent  or  unable   to   meet   its   insurance   obligations.   The
  superintendent  shall  have,  as  of  the  date  of  such  insolvency or
  inability to meet its insurance obligations, only the rights  which  the
  insurer  would have had if not insolvent or unable to meet its insurance
  obligations.
    (b) For the purposes of this section, the  superintendent  shall  have
  power to employ such counsel, clerks and assistants as may be necessary.