OPINION OF COUNSEL

[JOHN HANCOCK
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LETTERHEAD]
                                                                   July 1, 2002


John Hancock Variable Series Trust I
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, MA 02117

Trustees:

         This opinion is given in connection with the filing by John Hancock
Variable Series Trust I, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust") of its
Registration Statement on Form N-14 ("Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, relating to an indefinite amount of shares of beneficial
interest in its International Opportunities Fund (the "Fund.").

         I have examined the Trust's Declaration of Trust, its By-Laws, the
Registration Statement, and such other records, certificates, documents and
statutes that I have deemed relevant in order to render the opinion expressed
herein.

         Based on such examination, I am of the opinion that:

         1.       The Trust is a business trust duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
         2. The shares offered for sale by the Trust, when issued in the manner
contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully-paid
and non-assessable.

         I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,


                                                     /s/Ronald J. Bocage
                                                     Vice President and Counsel