EXHIBIT 99.B – FORM OF OPINION AND CONSENT OF RICHARD M. HOWE, ESQ.
February 23, 2001
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
1295 State Street
Springfield, MA 01111
| RE: | Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-50422 to Leadership Variable Universal Life filed on Form S-6 | |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-50422 under the Securities Act of 1933 for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company’s (“MassMutual”) Flexible Premium Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policies (the “Policies”). Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life Separate Account I issues the Policies.
As 2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel for MassMutual, I provide legal advice to MassMutual in connection with the operation of its variable products. In such role I am familiar with the filing for the Policies. In so acting, I have made such examination of the law and examined such records and documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable me to render the opinion expressed below. I am of the following opinion:
| 1. | MassMutual is a valid and subsisting corporation, organized and operated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is subject to regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance. | |
| 2. | Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life Separate Account I is a separate account validly established and maintained by MassMutual in accordance with Massachusetts law. | |
| 3. | All of the prescribed corporate procedures for the issuance of the Policies have been followed, and all applicable state laws have been complied with. | |
I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to this filing.
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Richard M. Howe | |
| Richard M. Howe | |
| 2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel |