EXHIBIT 5

                      [KENNEDY, BARIS & LUNDY LETTERHEAD]

                                  May 15, 2001

Board of Directors
James Monroe Bancorp, Inc.
3033 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia  22201

Gentlemen:

         As special legal counsel to James Monroe Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"),
we have participated in the preparation of the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-8 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the issuance of shares (the
"Shares") of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of options
outstanding under the James Monroe Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Director Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan").

         As counsel to the Company, we have examined such corporate records,
certificates and other documents of the Company, and made such examinations of
law and other inquiries of such officers of the Company, as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. Based upon such
examinations we are of the opinion that the Shares, when issued in accordance
with the provisions of the Plan and the options granted pursuant thereto, will
be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the
Common Stock of the Company.

         We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by the Company and to the reference to
our firm contained.

                                               Sincerely,



                                              /s/ Kennedy, Baris & Lundy, L.L.P.