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                                   EXHIBIT 20


                                                         
Financial Contact:  Carroll Kimball,  Telephone: 615 / 748-2455,  Fax: 615 / 748-2755
Media Contact:      Vicki Kessler,    Telephone: 615 / 748-2912,  Fax: 615 / 748-2535


For Immediate Release

FIRST AMERICAN ANNOUNCES 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT AND A 29% INCREASE IN THE QUARTERLY
                                    DIVIDEND

     NASHVILLE, TENN., April 17, 1997 -- First American Corporation (NASDAQ:
FATN) today announced a 2-for-1 stock split and a 29% increase in the quarterly
dividend of First American common stock.

     The 2-for-1 stock split will be issued on May 9, 1997, to shareholders of
record on April 28, 1997. As a result of this stock split, shareholders will
receive one additional share for each share owned on April 28.

     On a pre-split basis, the quarterly dividend will be increased from $.31
per share to $.40 per share. The dividend will be payable on May 30, 1997, to
shareholders of record on May 15, 1997. On a post-split basis, the new quarterly
dividend will be $.20 per share.

     Commenting on the board of directors' actions, Dennis C. Bottorff, chairman
and CEO, said, "We are excited about the board's decision to authorize the
2-for-1 stock split and to increase the dividend by 29%. These moves are
consistent with the company's strategy to more aggressively manage its capital
base. First American's performance continues to make steady gains as our
position in the markets we serve strengthens. We believe these actions are
indicative of our board's confidence in our future."

     Each shareholder of record will be mailed a certificate representing one
additional share for each share held as of the close of business on April 28.
With respect to shares participating in First American's Dividend Reinvestment
Plan, First American will not mail certificates. Instead, First American will
mail account statements crediting the additional shares resulting from the
split. Certificates currently owned by shareholders will continue to represent
shares held and will not be exchanged for new certificates. Therefore,
certificates should not be returned to the company or to its transfer agent.


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