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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the caption "Independent
Auditors" and to the use of our report dated February 4, 2000 for William Blair
Funds (comprised of the Growth Fund, Tax-Managed Growth Fund, Large Cap Growth
Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, International Growth Fund, Emerging Markets Growth
Fund, Disciplined Large Cap Fund, Value Discovery Fund, Income Fund and Ready
Reserves Fund) through its incorporation by reference in the related Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement
under the Securities Act of 1933 (Registration No. 33-17463) and in this
Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (Registration No. 811-5344).
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 14, 2000
