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Exhibit 6
[SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP]
CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP
We consent to the reference to our firm in the prospectuses included in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 for
Zenith Flexible Life, issued through the New England Variable Life Separate
Account (File No. 33-88082). In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are
in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933.
SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP
By: /s/ Kimberly J. Smith
----------------------------
Kimberly J. Smith
Washington, D.C.
November 9, 2000
