EX-99.12B 9 c27832_ex99-12b.txt Exhibit 99.12(b) 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 April 28, 2003 The Board of Trustees College Retirement Equities Fund 730 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017-3206 Re: College Retirement Equities Fund File Nos. 33-00480 and 811-4415 ----------------------------------------- Ladies and Gentlemen: We hereby consent to the reference to our name under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Statement of Additional Information filed as a part of post-effective amendment No. 35 to the above captioned registration statement on Form N-3. 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. Sincerely, SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP By: /s/ Steven B. Boehm --------------------------- Steven B. Boehm Atlanta o Austin o New York o Tallahassee o Washington, DC