CONSENT OF SWIDLER BERLIN SHEREFF FRIEDMAN, LLP
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm included in the
prospectus and statement of additional information of Merrill Lynch
Strategic Dividend Fund filed as part of Registration Statement No.
33-14517 and to the use of our opinion of counsel, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-14517).
/s/ Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP
New York, New York
November 28, 2000