Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-151976) of our report dated February 27, 2009, relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Protective Life Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

Birmingham, Alabama

May 14, 2009