Exhibit 6 [Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP] CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP We consent to the reference to our firm in the prospectus included in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 for Zenith Flexible Life 2002, issued through the New England Variable Life Separate Account (File No. 333-73676). 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/ Stephen E. Roth ----------------------------- Stephen E. Roth Washington, D.C. April 29, 2002