Exhibit 5
LETTERHEAD OF BLACKWELL SANDERS PEPER MARTIN LLP
November 27, 2000
Illuminet Holdings, Inc.
P.O. Box 2909
4501 Intelco Loop, S.E.
Lacey, Washington 98503
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Illuminet Holdings, Inc. a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration for resale on
Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 944,460 shares of
common stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share with attached rights to
purchase Series B Participating Cumulative Preference Stock (the "Common
Stock").
In connection with the foregoing, we have examined such documents,
corporate records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate in connection with this opinion. Based upon and subject to the
foregoing, we are of the opinion that such shares of Common Stock constitute
legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Company.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the registration
statement pursuant to which such shares will be sold and to the reference to us
in such registration statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin
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