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                                                                   EXHIBIT 5.1






May 24, 1996


CU Bancorp
16030 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, California 91436

Re:  Offering of up to 5,940,034 Shares of CU Bancorp Common Stock


Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned renders this opinion as counsel to you in connection with the
issuance of up to 5,940,034 shares of CU Bancorp Common Stock in exchange for
all of the outstanding shares of Home Interstate Bancorp, a California
corporation, the merger of Home Interstate Bancorp with and into CU Bancorp, a
California corporation and the merger of CU Bancorp's wholly owned subsidiary,
California United Bank, National Association, a national banking association,
with and into Home Bank, a California banking corporation.

In connection with this opinion, the undersigned has examined such records and
documents as are necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to the
following:

1.   Minutes of the Board of Directors of CU Bancorp;

2.   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of CU Bancorp;

3.   Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-02777) and Pre-Effective
Amendment Number One thereto (the "Registration Statement"); and

4.   Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of January 10, 1996, as
amended on March 29, 1996 and exhibits and attachments thereto (the
"Reorganization Agreement").

Based upon the undersigned's review of the records and documents, and such other
matters as deemed reasonable and appropriate, and in consideration of applicable
laws, I am of the opinion that the shares to be issued by CU Bancorp have been
duly authorized and when issued and paid in accordance with the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement, will be legally issued, fully paid and non assessable,
and free of preemptive rights.

This opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the law and the facts
as of the date hereof.  As to matters noted, I have relied on information
provided by CU Bancorp in preparing this opinion.  I am not qualified to
practice law in any jurisdiction other than the state of California, and do not
render any opinion on the law of any other jurisdiction, other than the federal
law of the United States.  This opinion is expressly limited to the matters set
forth herein.  This opinion may not be relied upon by any party other than the
addressee without the undersigned's specific consent.

I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of my name under the caption 
"Legal Matters".


Very truly yours,




ANITA Y. WOLMAN, ESQ.