EXHIBIT (11)(a)


            [Letterhead of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP]

                                           March 18, 2005


Van Kampen Municipal Trust
1 Parkview Plaza
P.O. Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555

                  Re:  Registration Statement on Form N-14 for
                       Van Kampen Municipal Trust
                       (the "Registration Statement")
                       --------------------------------


     We hereby consent to the reference to our firm in the Registration
Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                               Very truly yours,



                                               /s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate,
                                                   Meagher & Flom LLP