EXHIBIT i.

                         Opinion and Consent of Counsel

                   The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
                                 Hartford Plaza
                               Hartford, CT 06115


April 29, 2002

Hartford Capital Appreciation HLS Fund, Inc.
Hartford Plaza
Hartford, CT 06115

Gentlemen:

I have examined the Articles of Incorporation of Hartford Capital Appreciation
HLS Fund, Inc. (hereafter referred to as "Fund"); the By-Laws of the Fund;
documents evidencing various pertinent corporate proceedings; and such other
things considered to be material to determine the legality of the sale of the
authorized but unissued shares of the Fund's stock. Based upon my examination,
it is my opinion that the Fund is a validly organized and existing corporation
of the State of Maryland and it is legally authorized to issue its shares of
common stock, at prices determined as described in the Fund's currently
effective Prospectus, when such shares are properly registered under all
applicable federal and state securities laws.

Based upon the foregoing, it is my opinion that the Fund's shares, when issued
for cash consideration as described in the Fund's currently effective
prospectus, will have been validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable stock of
the Fund.

I hereby consent to the inclusion of this Opinion as an Exhibit to the Fund's
Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Kevin J. Carr
-------------------------
Kevin J. Carr
Assistant General Counsel