1

                                    EXHIBIT 5

             Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP


                                 July 2, 1998


CorVel Corporation
2100 Main Street
Suite 1020
Irvine, CA  92614


               Re:    CorVel Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8 for 
                      300,000 Shares of Common Stock and Related Stock Options


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to CorVel Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an additional (i)
200,000 shares of common stock and related stock options for issuance under the
Company's Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") and (ii)
100,000 shares of common stock and related stock purchase rights for issuance
under the Restated 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan").

     This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item
8 of Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.

     We have reviewed the Company's charter documents and the corporate
proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the establishment and
amendment of the Option Plan and the Purchase Plan. Based on such review, we
are of the opinion that if, as and when the shares of common stock are issued
and sold (and the consideration therefor received) pursuant to (a) the
provisions of option agreements duly authorized under the Plan and in accordance
with the Registration Statement or (b) the provisions of the Purchase Plan and
the purchase rights thereunder and in accordance with the Registration
Statement, such shares will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

     We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement.

     This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and we
disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the
Option Plan or Purchase Plan or the shares of common stock issuable under such
plans.


                                       Very truly yours,


                                       /s/ BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
                                       -----------------------------------
                                       BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP