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