1 Exhibit 6 [SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP] 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004-2415 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 variable survivorship life insurance policies issued through New England Variable Life Separate Account of New England Life Insurance Company (File No. 333-89409) 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/ Kimberly J. Smith --------------------- Kimberly J. Smith Washington, D.C. March 2, 2000