Sutherland                                        1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Asbill &                                            Washington, D.C.  20004-2415
Brennan LLP                                                         202.383.0100
                                                                fax 202.637.3593
ATTORNEYS AT LAW                                                  www.sablaw.com

Steven B. Boehm
DIRECT LINE: 202.383.0176
Internet: sboehm@sablaw.com

                                                                   Exhibit 6.(c)



                   CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP


We consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the
prospectus included in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 for certain flexible premium variable universal life
insurance policies issued through TIAA-CREF Life Separate Account VLI-1 of
TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company (File No. 333-62162). 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


By:  /s/ Steven B. Boehm
     --------------------------
         Steven B. Boehm



Washington, D.C.
January 30, 2002






        Atlanta [ ] Austin [ ] New York [ ] Tallahassee [ ] Washington DC