KENNETH J. LINGENFELTER NAMED REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTFOR FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

SANTA ANA, Calif., March, 2004 – First American Title Insurance Company, one of the nation’s largest title insurers, today announced that Kenneth J. Lingenfelter has been named regional vice president. Lingenfelter, who is also chief executive officer of Metropolitan Title Company, will oversee operations for Metropolitan and its affiliates, which together comprise one of America’s largest independent title agencies. Acquired by First American in December 2003, the Howell, Mich.-based company has 1,400 employees and operates in 10 states.

A 30-year veteran of the title industry, Lingenfelter currently serves on the board of governors for the American Land Title Association and is past president of the Michigan Land Title Association. He also serves on the board of the Real Estate Services Providers Council, a national nonprofit trade association that unites providers from across the home buying and financing industry.

A long-time Michigan resident, Lingenfelter attended the University of Michigan at Dearborn. The father of four currently resides in Brighton, Mich.

First American Title Insurance Company, the largest subsidiary of The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), traces its history to 1889. One of the largest title insurers in the nation, the company offers title services through nearly 1,500 offices and an extensive network of agents throughout the United States and abroad. The company has its headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif. Information about The First American Corporation’s subsidiaries and an archive of its press releases can be found on the Internet at www.firstam.com.