EXHIBIT 5.1

                 OPINION OF SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP

                                                               November 14, 2000

Board of Directors
Elcotel, Inc.
6428 Parkland Drive
Sarasota, Florida   34243

                     Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel for Elcotel,  Inc.  ("Elcotel")  in connection
with the  preparation  and filing with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission
under  the  Securities  Act of  1933 of a  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-8
relating to 500,000  shares of common stock of Elcotel (the  "Shares")  issuable
upon exercise of options granted to optionees pursuant to the Elcotel, Inc. 1991
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").

         As counsel for Elcotel,  we have  examined such  corporate  records and
other  documents  of Elcotel and  considered  such  questions  of law as we have
deemed  necessary or appropriate  for purposes of this opinion.  On the basis of
such  examination,  we are  of the  opinion  that  the  Shares  have  been  duly
authorized,  and when duly issued against payment of the purchase price therefor
pursuant to the Plan and due exercise of the options thereunder, will be validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         We hereby  consent to the  inclusion  of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to
the Registration Statement.

                                             Very truly yours,

                                             SCHNADER HARRISON SEGAL & LEWIS LLP