Exhibit 10.26


December 1, 1999


Robert G. Dyck
606 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA  90401


Dear Bob:

First Professional Bank (the "Bank") is pleased to offer you the position of
Senior Vice President -Credit Administrator. In this role you will report
directly to the Audit Committee. As an employee of the Bank, you will be
eligible for all the outstanding benefits currently being offered to our
employees. The more specific terms of our mutual agreement are outlined below:



DATE OF HIRE:  December 20, 1999 or earlier if possible.



BASE SALARY: One hundred twenty-five thousand five hundred dollars ($125,000.00)
per annum with annual performance reviews during the month of January to begin
in January 2001.



AUTO ALLOWANCE: You will receive an auto allowance of $400.00 per month. This
will be paid at $200.00 each pay period.



STOCK OPTIONS: Subject to Board approval, 5,000 options with a strike price set
at the previous 90 day average market price in effect at the time options become
vested. Options will vest as follows: One-third immediately; one-third upon
completion of one year of service; and, one-third upon completion of two years
of service.



SEVERANCE: In the event of a change in company ownership, resulting from a sale
or merger, the base salary then currently in effect (excluding auto allowance
and any unearned bonus) will continue for 270 days from your last day of
employment. The salary continuation will exclude a termination "for cause"
and/or voluntary resignation.



BONUS: You may be eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount of up to 30%
of your annual base salary, based upon the attainment of specific corporate
budgetary and strategic objectives and specific individual performance
objectives.



401(K): You will be eligible to participate in the Bank's 401(k) plan upon
one-year anniversary of your employment commencement date. Since you have an
existing 401(k) account with the Bank , you may be able to participate
immediately if the Plan allows. The Bank will match-fund 100% of up to 3% of
your personal salary contribution.




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VACATION: As a Senior Vice President, you will be eligible for four (4) weeks of
vacation per year, accrued monthly on a pro-rated basis. Unused vacation is not
carried forward and, therefore, must be utilized in the calendar year in which
it accrues.



HEALTH INSURANCE: Should you desire to participate in the Bank's health
insurance program, the first day of eligibility for participation will be June
1, 2000.



SICK/PERSONAL DAYS: You will accrue sick days at the rate of one day per month.
In addition, you will be eligible for one personal day.



BUSINESS EXPENSE: You will be reimbursed for travel and business entertainment
expenses incurred in the ordinary course of duty. Reimbursement forms are
submitted monthly. You will also be eligible for a Corporate credit card.



Patti, welcome to First Professional Bank as a full time employee. Based on the
work you have done for us already, I am confident that you will add significant
value to our organization and will be provided with the opportunity for a
challenging and successful career.





Sincerely,                               ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO:



Gene F. Gaines                           ______________
Chairman, CEO                            /s/ Robert G. Dyck
First Professional Bank