As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 1999
                                              Registration No. 333-_____________


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                        ---------------------------------

                                    FORM S-8

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                        ---------------------------------

                                VTEL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                              74-2415696
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

                               108 Wild Basin Road
                               Austin, Texas 78746
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                       -----------------------------------

                   VTEL CORPORATION 1998 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
                            (Full title of the plan)
                       ----------------------------------

                                 RODNEY S. BOND
                             Chief Financial Officer
                                VTEL CORPORATION
                               108 Wild Basin Road
                               Austin, Texas 78746
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

                                 (512) 437-2702
          (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                    Copy to:
                                L. Steven Leshin
                               Jenkens & Gilchrist
                          1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3200
                               Dallas, Texas 75202
                               Tel: (214) 855-4500

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed maximum Proposed maximum Title of Amount to offering price aggregate Amount of securities to be registered be registered (1) per share (2)(3) offering price (2)(3) registration fee (3) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock, par value $.01 1,000,000 $5.34 $5,340,000 $1,485 per share - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Consists of 1,000,000 shares of common stock (and associated preferred stock purchase rights) reserved for issuance to key employees of VTEL Corporation (the "Corporation") pursuant to the VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan (the "Plan"). In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of additional shares of the Corporation's Common Stock (the "Common Stock") issuable pursuant to the exercise of options and/or awards granted or to be granted under the Plan to prevent dilution that may result from any future stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions affecting the Common Stock. (2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee. (3) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (h). Accordingly, the price per share of Common Stock offered hereunder pursuant to the Plan is based upon 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, at a price of $5.34, which is the average of the highest and lowest price per share of Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System on April 30, 1999.
PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS Information specified in Part I of Form S-8 (Items 1 and 2) to be contained in the Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from this registration statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and the Note to Part I of Form S-8. PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference. The Corporation hereby incorporates by reference in this registration statement the following documents previously filed by the registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"): (1) the Corporation's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998; (2) the Corporation's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission for the three months ended October 31, 1998 and January 31, 1999; (3) the description of the Common Stock of the Corporation set forth in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on March 31, 1992, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description; and (4) the description of the Corporation's Rights contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on July 11, 1996, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. All documents filed by the Corporation with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), subsequent to the date of this registration statement shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents until such time as there shall have been filed a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold at the time of such amendment. Item 4. Description of Securities. Not Applicable. Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel. None. Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation provides for indemnification as follows: "NINTH: The Corporation shall indemnify any person: (a) who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe his action was unlawful, or (b) who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Article 9, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith. Any indemnification under subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Article 9 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Article 9. Such determination shall be made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders. Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be de- termined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article 9. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems approp- riate. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article 9 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article 9. For purposes of this Article 9, references to "the Corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Article 9 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article 9, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the Corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation" as referred to in this Article 9. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article 9 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person." Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed. None. Item 8. Exhibits. (a) Exhibits. The following documents are filed as a part of this registration statement. Exhibit Description of Exhibit 4.1 Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed July 7, 1993 with the Secretary of State of Delaware (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1993). 4.2 Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of June 11, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-45876, as amended). 4.3 Amendment to Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of April 28, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1992). 4.4 Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of July 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 1996). 4.5 Specimen Certificate for the Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration State- ment on Form S-1, File No. 33-45876, as amended). 4.6 Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1996 between VTEL Corporation and First National Bank of Boston, which includes the form of Certificate of Designations for Designating Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, the form of Rights Certificate, and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, the form of Rights Certificate, and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 1996). 4.7* VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan 5.1* Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation 23.1* Consent of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation (included in opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto) 23.2* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 23.3* Consent of KPMG LLP 24.1 Power of Attorney (included in the signature page of this Registration Statement) ------- * Filed herewith. Item 9. Undertakings. A. The undersigned Corporation hereby undertakes: (1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement; (2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. B. The undersigned Corporation hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Corporation's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Corporation pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Corporation has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Corporation of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Corporation in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Corporation will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Austin, Texas, on May 4, 1999. VTEL CORPORATION By: /s/ Jerry S. Bensen, Jr. ------------------------------------------------ Jerry S. Bensen, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Jerry S. Bensen, Jr. and Rodney S. Bond and each of them, each with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates included:
Signature Capacity Date - --------- -------- ---- /s/ Jerry S. Bensen, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Jerry S. Bensen, Jr. /s/ Rodney S. Bond Chief Financial Officer, Vice President- May 4, 1999 Rodney S. Bond Finance and Secretary (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ F.H. (Dick) Moeller Chairman of the Board of Directors May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- F.H. (Dick) Moeller /s/ Eric L. Jones Director May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- Eric L. Jones /s/ Gordon H. Mathews Director May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- Gordon H. Mathews /s/ Max D. Hopper Director May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- Max D. Hopper /s/ T. Gary Trimm Director May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- T. Gary Trimm /s/ Richard Snyder Director May 4, 1999 - --------------------------- Richard Snyder
INDEX TO EXHIBITS Sequential Exhibit Page Number Document Description Number ------- -------------------- ---------- 4.1 Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed July 7, 1993 with the Secretary of State of Delaware (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1993). 4.2 Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of June 11, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-45876, as amended). 4.3 Amendment to Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of April 28, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1992). 4.4 Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of July 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 1996). 4.5 Specimen Certificate for the Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-45876, as amended). 4.6 Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1996 between VTEL Corporation and First National Bank of Boston, which includes the form of Certificate of Designations for Designating Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, the form of Rights Certificate, and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, the form of Rights Certificate, and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 1996). 4.7* VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan 5.1* Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation 23.1* Consent of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation (included in opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto) 23.2* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 23.3* Consent of KPMG LLP 24.1 Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Regis- tration Statement) - --------- * Filed herewith.

                                VTEL CORPORATION

                           1998 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN










TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Purpose..................................................................................................1 2. Definitions..............................................................................................1 (a) "Affiliate".....................................................................................1 (b) "Available Shares"..............................................................................1 (c) "Award".........................................................................................1 (d) "Board".........................................................................................1 (e) "Change in Control".............................................................................1 (f) "Change in Control Price".......................................................................2 (g) "Code"..........................................................................................2 (h) "Committee".....................................................................................2 (i) "Common Stock"..................................................................................2 (j) "Company".......................................................................................2 (k) "Date of Grant".................................................................................2 (l) "Director"......................................................................................2 (m) "Disability"....................................................................................2 (n) "Effective Date"................................................................................2 (o) "Eligible Person"...............................................................................2 (p) "Fair Market Value".............................................................................2 (q) "Holder"........................................................................................3 (r) "Parent"........................................................................................3 (s) "Plan"..........................................................................................3 (t) "Plan Year".....................................................................................3 (u) "Potential Change In Control"...................................................................3 (v) "Restriction(s)"................................................................................3 (w) "Restricted Period".............................................................................3 (x) "Restricted Shares".............................................................................4 (y) "Restricted Share Award"........................................................................4 (z) "Restricted Share Distributions"................................................................4 (aa) "Section 162(m) Maximum"........................................................................4 (bb) "Share(s)"......................................................................................4 (cc) "Subsidiary"....................................................................................4 (dd) "1933 Act"......................................................................................4 (ee) "1934 Act"......................................................................................4 3. Award of Available Shares................................................................................4 4. Awards...................................................................................................4 5. Conditions for Grant of Awards...........................................................................5 6. Termination of Award.....................................................................................6 7. Acceleration.............................................................................................6 8. Adjustment of Available Shares...........................................................................6 9. Transferability of Awards................................................................................7 10. Issuance of Shares.......................................................................................7 11. Administration of the Plan...............................................................................8 12. Tax Withholding..........................................................................................9 13. Interpretation...........................................................................................9 14. Amendment and Discontinuation of the Plan...............................................................10 15. Section 83(b) Election..................................................................................10 16. Effective Date and Termination Date.....................................................................10
VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to advance the interests of VTEL Corporation and its Affiliates, and increase shareholder value by providing additional incentives to attract, retain and motivate those qualified and competent employees, upon whose efforts and judgment its success is largely dependent. 2. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated: (a) "Affiliate" means any entity other than the Parent that is designated by the Board as a participating employer under the Plan, provided that the Parent directly or indirectly owns at least 50% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of such entity or at least 50% of the ownership interests in such entity. (b) "Available Shares" shall mean, at each time of reference, the total number of Shares described in Section 3 with respect to which the Committee may grant an Award, all of which Available Shares shall be held in the Parent's treasury or shall be made available from authorized and unissued Shares. (c) "Award" shall mean Restricted Share Award. (d) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent. (e) "Change in Control" shall mean the first to occur of (i) a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company that requires the consent or vote of the holders of the Parent's Common Stock, other than a consolidation, merger or share exchange of the Parent in which the holders of the Parent's Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 60% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Parent or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (ii) the shareholders of the Parent approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the cessation of control (by virtue of their not constituting a majority of Directors) of the Board of Directors of the Parent by the individuals (the "Continuing Directors") who (x) on the Effective Date were Directors or (y) become Directors after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election by the Parent's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then in office who were Directors at the Effective Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved; (iv) the acquisition of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of an aggregate of 40% or more of the voting power of the Parent's outstanding voting securities by any person or group (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) who beneficially owned less than 30% of the voting power of the Parent's outstanding voting securities on the Effective Date, or the acquisition of beneficial ownership of an additional 10% 1 of the voting power of the Parent's outstanding voting securities by any person or group who beneficially owned at least 30% of the voting power of the Parent's outstanding voting securities on the Effective Date; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, an acquisition shall not be described hereunder if the acquiror is (x) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company and acting in such capacity, (y) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent or a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Parent in the same proportions as their ownership of voting securities of the Parent or (z) any other person whose acquisition of shares of voting securities is approved in advance by a majority of the Continuing Directors; or (v) in a Title 11 bankruptcy proceeding, the appointment of a trustee or the conversion of a case involving the Company to a case under Chapter 7. (f) "Change in Control Price" shall mean the highest price per share paid in any transaction reported on the principal trading market for the Common Stock, or paid or offered in any bona fide transaction related to a Potential or actual Change in Control at any time during the 60 day period immediately preceding such occurrence, in each case as determined by the Committee. (g) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now or hereafter amended. (h) "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board. (i) "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Parent. (j) "Company" shall mean the Parent, its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, except when it shall be appropriate to refer only to VTEL Corporation, then it shall be referred to as "Parent". (k) "Date of Grant" shall mean the date on which the Committee takes formal action to grant an Award. (l) "Director" shall mean a member of the Board. (m) "Disability" shall mean a Holder's present incapacity resulting from an injury or illness (either mental or physical) which, in the reasonable opinion of the Committee based on such medical evidence as it deems necessary, will result in death or can be expected to continue for a period of at least twelve (12) months and will prevent the Holder from performing the normal services required of the Holder by the Company, provided, however, that such disability did not result, in whole or in part: (i) from chronic alcoholism; (ii) from addiction to narcotics; (ii) from a felonious undertaking; or (iv) from an intentional self-inflicted wound. (n) "Effective Date" shall mean November 2, 1998. 2 (o) "Eligible Person" shall mean employees of the Company who the Committee determines have the capacity to substantially contribute to the success of the Company (p) "Fair Market Value" shall mean, as of a particular date, such amount as the Committee, in its sole discretion shall determine; provided, however, that where there is a public market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value per Share shall be determined as follows: (i) if Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading on any United States national securities exchange or included in the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ/NMS") or the NASDAQ Small Cap Market, the mean of the highest and lowest sales prices of the Common Stock on such exchange or system, on the Date of Grant, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, or (ii) if the securities are quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (but not NASDAQ/NMS or NASDAQ Small Cap Market) or similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices in common use, the mean between the closing high bid and low asked quotations, of the securities on such system on the Date of Grant, as reported in such system. he closing sale price of Shares, which shall be (i) if the Shares are listed or admitted for trading on any United States national securities exchange, the last reported sale price of the Shares on such exchange as reported in any newspaper of general circulation, or (ii) if the Shares are quoted on NASDAQ, or any similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices in common use, the mean between the closing high bid and low asked quotation for such day on such system. If neither clause (i) nor clause (ii) is applicable, the fair market value shall be determined by the Committee by any fair and reasonable means as determined in its sole discretion. (q) "Holder" shall mean, at each time of reference, each person with respect to whom an Award is in effect; and provided, further, that to the extent provided under, and subject to the conditions of, the Award, it shall refer to the person who succeeds to the rights of the Holder upon the death of the Holder. (r) "Parent" means VTEL Corporation, a Delaware corporation. (s) "Plan" shall mean this VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan. (t) "Plan Year" shall mean the Parent's fiscal year. (u) "Potential Change In Control" shall mean the first to occur of (i) approval by shareholders of an agreement by the Parent, the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control; or (ii) the acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by any entity, person or group (other than the Company or any Company employee benefit plan) of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Parent's outstanding securities and the adoption by the Committee of a resolution to the effect that a Potential Change in Control has occurred for purposes of this Plan. (v) "Restriction(s)" "Restricted" and similar shall mean the restrictions applicable to Available Shares subject to an Award which prohibit the "transfer" of such Available Shares, and which constitute "a substantial 3 risk of forfeiture" of such Available Shares, as those terms are defined under Section 83(a)(1) of the Code. (w) "Restricted Period" shall mean the period during which Restricted Shares shall be subject to Restrictions. (x) "Restricted Shares" shall mean the Available Shares granted to an Eligible Person which are subject to Restrictions. (y) "Restricted Share Award" shall mean the award of Restricted Shares. (z) "Restricted Share Distributions" shall mean any amounts, whether Shares, cash or other property (other than regular cash dividends) paid or distributed by the Parent with respect to Restricted Shares during a Restricted Period. (aa) "Section 162(m) Maximum" shall mean 250,000 Shares. (bb) "Share(s)" shall mean a share or shares of Common Stock. (cc) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation (other than the Parent) in any unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Parent if, at the time of the granting of the Award, each of the corporations, other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain, owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such unbroken chain. (dd) "1933 Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. (ee) "1934 Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 3. Award of Available Shares. As of the Effective Date, 1,000,000 Shares shall automatically, and without further action, become Available Shares. To the extent any Award shall terminate, expire or be canceled, or the Award shall be paid in cash, the Available Shares subject to such Award (or with respect to which the Award is measured), shall remain Available Shares. No person whose compensation may be subject to the limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code shall be eligible to receive Awards pursuant to this Plan in any Plan Year which relate to Shares which exceed the Section 162(m) Maximum. 4. Awards. (a) Each Restricted Share Award shall be evidenced by an agreement that may contain any provisions selected by the Committee which is not prohibited by the terms of the Plan. As a condition to the grant of a Restricted Share Award, the Committee shall require the Eligible Person receiving the Restricted Share Award to pay an amount, which amount may not be less than the par value of the Restricted Shares granted under such Restricted Share Award, and such Restricted Share Award shall automatically terminate if full payment of such amount is not 4 received within 30 days following the Date of Grant. Except as otherwise provided in the express terms and conditions of each Restricted Share Award, the Eligible Person receiving the Restricted Share Award shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Restricted Shares including, but not limited to, voting rights and the right to receive any dividends paid, subject only to the retention provisions of the Restricted Share Distributions. (b) The Restrictions on Restricted Shares shall lapse in whole, or in installments, over whatever Restricted Period shall be selected by the Committee; provided, however, that a complete lapse of Restrictions always shall occur on or before the 9th anniversary of the Date of Grant. (c) Without limitation, the Committee may accelerate the date on which Restrictions lapse with respect to any Restricted Shares. (d) During the Restricted Period, the certificates representing the Restricted Shares, and any Restricted Share Distributions, shall be registered in the Holder's name and bear a restrictive legend disclosing the Restrictions, the existence of the Plan, and the existence of the applicable agreement granting such Restricted Share Award. Such certificates shall be deposited by the Holder with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment, each endorsed in blank, which will permit the transfer to the Company of all or any portion of the Restricted Shares, and any assets constituting Restricted Share Distributions, which shall be forfeited in accordance with the applicable agreement granting such Restricted Share Award. Restricted Shares shall constitute issued and outstanding Common Stock for all corporate purposes and the Holder shall have all rights, powers and privileges of a Holder of unrestricted Shares except that the Holder will not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificates until all Restrictions shall have terminated, and the Company will retain custody of all related Restricted Share Distributions (which will be subject to the same Restrictions, terms, and conditions as the related Restricted Shares) until the conclusion of the Restricted Period with respect to the related Restricted Shares; and provided, further, that any Restricted Share Distributions shall not bear interest or be segregated into a separate account but shall remain a general asset of the Company, subject to the claims of the Company's creditors, until the conclusion of the applicable Restricted Period; and provided, finally, that any material breach of any terms of the agreement granting the Restricted Share Award, as reasonably determined by the Committee will cause a forfeiture of both Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Distributions. 5. Conditions for Grant of Awards. (a) Without limitation, Awards shall only be granted to such one or more Eligible Persons as shall be selected by the Committee. (b) In granting Awards, the Committee shall take into consideration the contribution the Eligible Person has made or may be reasonably expected to make to the success of the Company and such other factors as the Committee shall determine. The Committee shall also have the authority to consult with and receive recommendations from officers and other personnel of the Company with regard to these matters. The Committee may from time to time in granting Awards 5 under the Plan prescribe such other terms and conditions concerning such Awards as it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, relating an Award to achievement of specific goals established by the Committee or to the continued employment of the Eligible Person for a specified period of time, provided that such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan. (c) The Plan shall not confer upon any Holder any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his right or the Company's right to terminate his employment at any time. (d) The Awards granted to Eligible Persons shall be in addition to regular salaries, pension, life insurance or other benefits related to their service to the Company. Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the Plan shall confer upon any person any right to continuance of employment by the Company; and provided, further, that nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of the Company to enter into any other compensation arrangements with any Eligible Person. (e) The Committee shall determine in each case whether periods of military or government service shall constitute a continuation of employment for the purposes of this Plan or any Award. (f) Without limitation, each Award may provide for the issuance of Available Shares for consideration consisting of such consideration as the Committee may determine, including (without limitation) as compensation for past services rendered. 6. Termination of Award. Each Award shall be evidenced by an agreement that may contain any provisions selected by the Committee; provided, however, that in each case, unless expressly provided to the contrary in the Award, the Restricted portion of an Award shall automatically and without notice be canceled and become null and void on the date that Holder ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than death or Disability. 7. Acceleration. (a) Unless expressly provided to the contrary in the Award, in the event the Holder ceases to be employed by the Company by reason of the Holder's death, or Disability, the Restricted Period shall terminate, and all Restrictions shall lapse, as of the day before the date of Holder's death or Disability. (b) In the event of either a Change in Control, or a Potential Change in Control, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Award (i) the Restricted Period shall terminate, and all Restrictions shall lapse, and (ii) the value of all outstanding Restricted Shares shall be cashed out on the basis of the Change in Control Price, effective as the date of the Change in Control, or on such other date as the Committee may determine prior to the Change in Control. 6 8. Adjustment of Available Shares. (a) If at any time while the Plan is in effect or Awards with respect to Available Shares are outstanding, there shall be any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding Shares through the declaration of a stock dividend or through any recapitalization resulting in a stock split-up, combination or exchange of Shares, then and in such event an appropriate adjustment shall be made in the maximum number of Available Shares which may be granted under Section 3, and in the Available Shares which are then subject to each Award, so that the same proportion of the Parent's issued and outstanding Common Stock shall continue to be subject to grant under Section 3, and to such Award. (b) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the issuance by the Parent of shares of its capital stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of capital stock of any class, either in connection with direct sale for adequate consideration, or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Parent convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to Available Shares subject to Awards granted under the Plan. (c) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the existence of outstanding Awards with respect to Available Shares granted under the Plan shall not affect in any manner the right or power of the Parent to make, authorize or consummate (1) any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the Parent's capital structure or its business; (2) any merger or consolidation of the Parent; (3) any issue by the Parent of debt securities, or preferred or preference stock which would rank above the Available Shares subject to outstanding Awards; (4) the dissolution or liquidation of the Parent; (5) any sale, transfer or assignment of all or any part of the assets or business of the Company; or (6) any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. 9. Transferability of Awards. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Award, each Award shall provide that the Holder shall not be permitted to transfer (which includes, without limitation, a sale, pledge, assignment or other disposition) the Restricted Shares, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution; and if a transfer of any type is permitted under the express terms of the Award, the Restrictions shall remain in effect subsequent to such transfer. 10. Issuance of Shares. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(a), no Holder or other person shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, the owner of Shares subject to an Award unless and until the Restrictions shall have lapsed and certificates representing such Common Stock shall have been issued and delivered to such Holder or other person. As a condition of any issuance of Common Stock with respect to which Restrictions have lapsed, the Committee may obtain such agreements or undertakings, if any, as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable to assure compliance with any such law or regulation, or shareholder agreement including, but not limited to, the following: (i) a representation, warranty or agreement by the Holder to the Parent, at the time any Shares are transferred, that he is acquiring the Shares to be issued to him for investment and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution of any such Shares; and 7 (ii) a representation, warranty or agreement to be bound by any legends that are, in the opinion of the Committee, necessary or appropriate to comply with the provisions of any securities law deemed by the Committee to be applicable to the issuance of the Shares and are endorsed upon the Share certificates. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Shares shall be required to be issued with respect to an Award unless counsel for the Parent shall be reasonably satisfied that such issuance will be in compliance with applicable Federal or state securities laws. 11. Administration of the Plan. (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board and, except for the powers reserved to the Board in Section 14 hereof, the Committee shall have all of the administrative powers under Plan. (b) The Committee, from time to time, may adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes of the Plan and, without limitation, may delegate all of what, in its sole discretion, it determines to be ministerial duties to an officer of the Parent. The determinations under, and the interpretations of, any provision of the Plan or an Award by the Committee shall, in all cases, be in its sole discretion, and shall be final and conclusive. (c) Any and all determinations and interpretations of the Committee shall be made either (i) by a majority vote of the members of the Committee at a meeting duly called, with at least 3 days prior notice and a general explanation of the subject matter given to each member, or (ii) without a meeting, by the written approval of all members of the Committee. (d) No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by him or by any other member of the Committee with respect to the Plan, and to the extent of liabilities not otherwise insured under a policy purchased by the Company, the Company does hereby indemnify and agree to defend and save harmless any member of the Committee with respect to any liabilities asserted or incurred in connection with the exercise and performance of their powers and duties hereunder, unless such liabilities are judicially determined to have arisen out of such member's gross negligence, fraud or bad faith. Such indemnification shall include attorney's fees and all other costs and expenses reasonably incurred in defense of any action arising from such act of commission or omission. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the Company's ability to insure itself with respect to its obligations hereunder. (e) In particular, and without limitation, the Committee shall have the authority, consistent with the terms of the Plan: (i) to select the officers, and other key employees to whom Awards may from time to time be granted hereunder; (ii) to determine whether and to what extent Awards are to be granted hereunder to one or more eligible persons; 8 (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each such Award granted hereunder; (iv) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, any restriction or limitation, or any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, based in each case on such factors as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion); and to amend or waive any such terms and conditions to the extent permitted by the Plan; (f) The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter, and repeal such rules, guidelines, and practices governing the Plan as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable; to interpret any and all of the terms and provisions of the Plan and any and all Awards issued under the Plan (and any agreements relating thereto), which decisions shall not be subject to review; and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan; provided, however, that to the extent that this Plan otherwise requires the approval of the Board or the shareholders of the Parent, all decisions of the Committee shall be subject to such Board or shareholder approval. Subject to the foregoing, and without limitation, all decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be made in the Committee's sole discretion and shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Company and Holders. 12. Tax Withholding. On or immediately prior to the date on which an amount is required to be included in the income of the Holder as a result of an Award, the Holder shall be required to pay to the Company, in cash or in Shares (but in shares only if expressly provided with the Award or upon approval of the Committee), including, but not limited to, the reservation to the Company of the requisite number of Available Shares otherwise vested with respect to such Holder with respect to such Award the amount which the Company reasonably determines to be necessary in order for the Company to comply with applicable federal or state tax withholding requirements, and the collection of employment taxes, if applicable; provided, further, without limitations, that the Committee may require that such payment be made in cash. 13. Interpretation. (a) If any provision of the Plan is held invalid for any reason, such holding shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof, but instead the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had never been included in the Plan. (b) THIS PLAN SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. (c) Headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall in no manner be construed as part of this Plan. (d) Any reference to the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender shall be a reference to such other gender as is appropriate. 9 (e) The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive and deferred compensation. (f) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 14. Amendment and Discontinuation of the Plan. The Board, may from time to time amend the Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment may, without approval by the shareholders of the Parent, (a) increase the number of Available Shares or change the class of Eligible Persons, (b) extend the termination date of the Plan; (c) increase the Section 162(m) Maximum; or (d) make any change for which applicable law or regulatory authority (including the regulatory authority of the market on which the Common Stock is traded) would require shareholder approval or for which shareholder approval would be required to secure all deductibility of compensation received under the Plan under Section 162(m) of the Code 24; and provided, further, that no amendment or suspension of the Plan or any Award issued hereunder shall, except as specifically permitted in this Plan or under the terms of such Award, substantially impair any Award previously granted to any Holder without the consent of such Holder. Solely for purposes of computing the Section 162(m) Maximum, if any Award(s) previously granted is canceled and new Award(s) granted with more favorable terms, as generally defined in applicable Treasury regulations, under some circumstances, as reasonably determined by the Committee, both the initial Award(s) and the replacement Award(s) will be deemed to be outstanding (although the canceled Award(s) will not deemed outstanding for any other purposes). 15. Section 83(b) Election. As a result of receiving an Award a Holder may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to include in his gross income, for his taxable year in which the Restricted Shares are transferred to him, the excess of the Fair Market Value (determined without regard to any Restriction other than one which by its terms will never lapse), of such Restricted Shares at the Date of Grant, over the amount paid for the Restricted Shares. If the Holder makes the Section 83(b) election described above, the Holder shall (i) make such election in a manner that is satisfactory to the Committee, (ii) provide the Committee with a copy of such election, (iii) agree to promptly notify the Company if any Internal Revenue Service or state tax agent, on audit or otherwise, questions the validity or correctness of such election or of the amount of income reportable on account of such election, and (iv) agree to such federal and state income withholding as the Committee may reasonably require in its sole and absolute discretion. 16. Effective Date and Termination Date. The Plan shall be effective as of its Effective Date, and shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of such Effective Date; provided, however, that unless approved by the shareholders of the Company in the manner described under Section 422 of the Code on or before the first anniversary of its Effective Date, the Plan shall be terminated retroactive to its Effective Date and all Awards granted thereunder shall be null and void ab initio. 10 VTEL CORPORATION --------------------------------- 11

                                  Exhibit 5.1


                                  May 4, 1999


VTEL Corporation
108 Wild Basin Road
Austin, Texas 78746

         Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-8

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to VTEL  Corporation,  a Delaware  corporation
(the  "Corporation"),  in connection  with the  preparation of the  Registration
Statement  on Form  S-8 (the  "Registration  Statement")  to be  filed  with the
Securities and  Exchange  Commission on  May 4, 1999,  under the  Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),  relating to 1,000,000 shares of the
$.01 par value common stock (the "Common Stock") of the Corporation  that may be
offered through the VTEL Corporation 1998 Restricted Stock Plan (the "Plan").

         You have  requested  the  opinion of this firm with  respect to certain
legal  aspects  of the  proposed  offering.  In  connection  therewith,  we have
examined and relied upon the original, or copies identified to our satisfaction,
of (1) the Certificate of Incorporation  and the Bylaws of the  Corporation,  as
amended; (2) minutes and records of the corporate proceedings of the Corporation
with respect to the  establishment  of the Plan,  the  reservation  of 1,000,000
shares of Common Stock to be issued under the Plan and to which the Registration
Statement  relates,  the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan
and related  matters;  (3) the  Registration  Statement  and  exhibits  thereto,
including  the Plan;  and (4) such other  documents and  instruments  as we have
deemed necessary for the expression of the opinions herein contained.  In making
the foregoing  examinations,  we have assumed the  genuineness of all signatures
and the  authenticity  of all documents  submitted to us as  originals,  and the
conformity to original  documents of all documents  submitted to us as certified
or photostatic copies. As to various questions of fact material to this opinion,
and as to the content and form of the Certificate of Incorporation,  the Bylaws,
minutes,   records,   resolutions   and  other  documents  or  writings  of  the
Corporation, we have relied, to the extent we deem reasonably appropriate,  upon
representations  or certificates of officers or directors of the Corporation and
upon  documents,  records and  instruments  furnished to us by the  Corporation,
without independent check or verification of their accuracy.







VTEL Corporation
May 4, 1999



         Based upon our examination and  consideration  of, and reliance on, the
documents  and other  matters  described  above,  we are of the opinion that the
Corporation  presently has available at least 1,000,000 shares of authorized but
unissued  shares of Common Stock and/or  treasury  shares of Common Stock.  From
these shares of Common  Stock,  the shares of Common  Stock  proposed to be sold
through  the Plan may be  issued.  Assuming  that:  (i) shares to be sold in the
future through the Plan are all in accordance  with the terms of the Plan,  (ii)
the  shares  of  Common  Stock to be issued  in the  future  are duly  issued in
accordance  with the  terms of the  Plan,  (iii) the  Corporation  maintains  an
adequate  number of authorized  but unissued  shares and/or  treasury  shares of
Common Stock available for issuance to those persons who purchase shares through
the Plan, and (iv) the  consideration for shares of Common Stock issued pursuant
to the Plan is actually  received by the Corporation as provided in the Plan and
exceeds the par value of such shares,  then the shares of Common Stock issued in
accordance with the terms of the Plan or sold through and in accordance with the
terms of the Plan will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         We hereby  consent to the  filing of this  opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration  Statement and to references to our firm included in or made a part
of the Registration  Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not admit that we
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Securities  Act or the Rules and  Regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     JENKENS & GILCHRIST,
                                                     a Professional Corporation


                                                     By:  /s/ L. Steven Leshin
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          L. Steven Leshin





                                  Exhibit 23.2



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

         We  hereby   consent  to  the   incorporation   by  reference  in  this
Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated September 22, 1998, which
appears in VTEL  Corporation's  annual  reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for
the year ended July 31, 1998.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
Austin, Texas
May 3, 1999






                                  Exhibit 23.3

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

         We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  registration
statement  on Form S-8 of our report  dated March 13,  1996 with  respect to the
consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholders'  equity and cash flows of
Compression  Labs,  Incorporated  for the year ended  December 31,  1995,  which
report  appears  in the  annual  reports  on Form  10-K and Form  10-K/A of VTEL
Corporation for the year ended July 31, 1998.

KPMG LLP


/s/ KPMG LLP
- -------------------------
Mountain View, California
May 3, 1999