Bogle & Gates P.L.L.C. Letterhead Exhibit 5.1 November 26, 1997 ATL Ultrasound, Inc. 22100 Bothell Everett Highway Bothell, WA 98041-3003 Gentlemen and Ladies: We are acting as counsel to ATL Ultrasound, Inc., a Washington corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, relating to the proposed sale by the Company of an aggregate of 150,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), issuable pursuant to the Company's 1992 Nonofficer Employee Stock Plan. In connection with the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Common Stock will, when sold, be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable. We hereby authorize and consent to the use of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. Very truly yours, Bogle & Gates P.L.L.C..