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EXHIBIT 5
MANATT, PHELPS & PHILLIPS, LLP
11355 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90064
(310) 312-4000
FAX: (310) 312-4224
September 25, 2000
Board of Directors
East West Bancorp. Inc.
415 Huntington Drive
San Marino, California 91108
Re: Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is rendered in connection with the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Act") relating to the offer and sale (the
"Offering") of 578,791 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of East West Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"). As special counsel
to the Company, we have reviewed such legal matters as we have deemed
appropriate for the purpose of rendering this opinion.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares of Common
Stock of the Company covered by the aforesaid Registration Statement will, when
issued in accordance with the terms of the Warrant against full payment
therefor, be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable shares of Common
Stock of the Company.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion and to the reference to our
firm appearing in the Company's Prospectus under the heading "Legal Matters." 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 Act or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted under the Act.
This opinion is given as of the effective date of the Registration
Statement and we assume no obligation to advise you of changes that may
hereafter be brought to our attention.
Sincerely,
/s/ Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
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MANATT, PHELPS & PHILLIPS, LLP
