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EXHIBIT 4.2
(ON CARTER LEDYARD & MILBURN LETTERHEAD)
January 19, 2001
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1217
c/o Nuveen Investments,
as Depositor of
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1217
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1217
Dear Sirs:
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Tax Status" in
the Registration Statement and related Prospectus of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 1217 for the registration of units of fractional undivided interest in
the Fund in the aggregate principal amount as set forth in the Closing
Memorandum dated today's date.
Very truly yours,
CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
