EXHIBIT 5.1
OPINION OF MALIZIA SPIDI & FISCH, PC AS TO
THE VALIDITY OF THE COMMON STOCK BEING REGISTERED
MALIZIA SPIDI & FISCH, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1301 K STREET, N.W. 637 KENNARD ROAD
SUITE 700 EAST STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA 16801
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 (814) 466-6625
(202) 434-4660 FACSIMILE: (814) 466-6703
FACSIMILE: (202) 434-4661
January 28, 2000
Board of Directors
Landmark Bancshares, Inc.
Central & Spruce Streets
Dodge City, Kansas 67801
RE: Registration Statement on Form S-8:
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Landmark Bancshares, Inc. Stock Option Agreements
Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to Landmark Bancshares, Inc., a Kansas
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation of the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, relating to 30,532 shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share
(the "Common Stock") of the Company which may be issued upon the exercise of
options granted or which may be granted under the Landmark Bancshares, Inc.
Stock Option Agreements (the "Plan"), as more fully described in the
Registration Statement. You have requested the opinion of this firm with respect
to certain legal aspects of the proposed offering.
We have examined such documents, records, and matters of law as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion and based thereon, we are of the
opinion that the Common Stock when issued pursuant to the stock awards granted
under 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 on Form S-8.
Sincerely,
/s/ Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC
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Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC