<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (10)(a)
[SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP LETTERHEAD]
CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP
We hereby consent to the reference to our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus filed as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to
Form N-4 (File No. 33-43773) for Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate
Account A of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. 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
/s/ KIMBERLY J. SMITH
------------------------------
Kimberly J. Smith, Esq.
Washington, D.C.
July 7, 2000
--------
