Exhibit (j)(2)

                             [LETTERHEAD OF DECHERT]

July 27, 2001

Pilgrim Mutual Funds
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-2034

Re:  Pilgrim Mutual Funds
     (File Nos. 33-56094 and 811-7428)

Dear Sirs:

We hereby consent to all references to our firm in Post-Effective Amendment No.
84 to the Registration Statement of Pilgrim Mutual Funds. In giving such
consent, however, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.


Very truly yours,


/s/ Dechert