EXHIBIT 5.1

                    OPINION AS TO LEGALITY OF ISSUED SHARES

                                                                May 9, 2001

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.,
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020

Re: The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.--Registration Statement on Form S-
                                       4

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   I am General Counsel of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Corporation"), in connection with the preparation and filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of the above-captioned
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-59254) (the
"Registration Statement"), relating to the registration of 67,644,272 shares of
the Corporation's Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares").

   In arriving at the opinions expressed below, I have examined and relied on
the originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction of
all such corporate records of the Corporation and such other instruments and
other certificates or public officials, officers and representatives of the
Corporation and such other persons, and I have made such investigation of law,
as I have deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed below. In
rendering the opinions expressed below, I have assumed and have not verified
that the signatures on all documents that I have examined are genuine.

   Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:

     1. The Corporation is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
  under the laws of the State of Delaware.

     2. The Shares have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
  action of the Corporation, and, when issued, will be legally issued, fully
  paid and non-assessable.

   Insofar as the foregoing opinions relate to the validity, binding effect or
enforceability of any agreement or obligations of the Company, (a) I have
assumed that each other party to such agreement or obligation has satisfied
those legal requirements that are applicable and it to the extent necessary to
make such agreement or obligation enforceable against it, and (b) such opinions
are subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and to general principals of equity.

   I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to my name in the Registration
Statement. By giving such consent, I do not admit that I am an "expert" within
the meaning of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission issued
thereunder with respect to any part of the Registration Statement, including
this exhibit.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                             /s/ Nicholas J. Camera
                                          By: _________________________________
                                             Nicholas J. Camera