EXHIBIT 5

May 30, 2003

Board of Directors
First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.
610 Bay Boulevard
Chula Vista, California 91910


Members of the Board:

            We have acted as counsel to First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. (the "Corporation") in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Registration Statement") relating to 211,600 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), to be offered pursuant to First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.'s 2003 Recognition and Retention Plan (the "Plan")

            We have reviewed originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the Plan and agreements thereto, the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, resolutions of its Board of Directors and such other documents and corporate records as we deem appropriate for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

            Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Common Stock covered by the Registration Statement will be, when and if issued, sold and paid for as contemplated by the Plan, legally issued and non-assessable shares of Common Stock of the Corporation.

            We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion as Exhibit 5 to this Registration Statement on Form S-8. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                                                             Very truly yours,

                                                                                                             /s/ SILVER, FREEDMAN & TAFF, L.L.P.