Exhibit 5.1

[Bank of America Corporation letterhead]

December 21, 2004

Board of Directors

Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America Corporate Center

Charlotte, North Carolina 28255

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the proposed registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 141,600,000 shares (the “Shares”) of the common stock of Bank of America Corporation (the “Common Stock”) to be issued pursuant to the terms of the Bank of America Corporation Key Associate Stock Plan (the “Plan”), I have examined such corporate records and other documents, including the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) and Prospectus relating to the Shares, and have reviewed such matters of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for this opinion. I have also examined the Bank of America Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-102043) relating to the issuance of up to 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan (post-split). Based on such examination and review, it is my opinion that the Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with and upon the terms and conditions of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

I consent to be named in the Registration Statement as the attorney who passed upon the legality of the Shares, and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,