EX-9 5 exhibit9.txt OPINION AND CONSENT OF GENERAL COUNSEL NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LAW AND REGULATION DEPARTMENT 3100 Sanders Road, J5B Northbrook, Illinois 60062 Direct Dial Number 847-402-2400 Facsimile 847-402-4371 Michael J. Velotta Please direct reply to: Vice President, Secretary Post Office Box 3005 and General Counsel Northbrook, Illinois 60065-3005 April 30, 2002 TO: NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062 FROM: MICHAEL J. VELOTTA VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL RE: FORM N-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 FILE NO. 333-38682; 811-06116 With reference to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 filed by Northbrook Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), as depositor, and Northbrook Variable Annuity Account II, as registrant, with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts (Preferred Client Variable annuity), I have examined such documents and such law as I have considered necessary and appropriate, and on the basis of such examination, it is my opinion that as of April 30, 2002: 1. The Company is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Arizona and has been duly authorized to do business by the Director of Insurance of the State of Arizona. 2. The securities registered by the above Registration Statement when issued will be valid, legal and binding obligations of the Company. I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the above referenced Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement. Sincerely, /S/ MICHAEL J. VELOTTA ------------------------ Michael J. Velotta Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel