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EXHIBIT 3.1
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
January 19, 2001
Nuveen Investments
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1217
Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel with respect to Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 1217 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), in connection with the
issuance under the Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the date hereof between
Nuveen Investments, as Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, of
Units of fractional undivided interest in the one or more Trusts of said Fund
(hereinafter referred to as the "Units").
In connection therewith, we have examined such pertinent records and documents
and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to express
the opinions hereinafter set forth.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution and delivery of the Trust Indenture and Agreement and the
establishment of book entry positions and the execution and issuance of
certificates evidencing the Units in the Trusts of the Fund have been duly
authorized; and
2. The book entry positions and certificates evidencing the Units in the Trusts
of the Fund when duly established or duly executed and delivered by the
Depositor and the Trustee in accordance with the aforementioned Trust Indenture
and Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of such Trusts and
the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-53532) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
