Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the “Agreement”) is made as of January 1, 2015, (the Effective Date”) by and between First Foundation Bank, a
California state chartered banking corporation (the “Employer”), and Chris M. Naghibi (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, Employer is a bank
chartered by the Department of Business Oversight of the State of California (the “DBO”) and conducts a banking business
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation Inc. (“Parent”), which, through its subsidiaries (collectively “Affiliates”),
provides commercial banking, investment management, wealth management, advisory services, trust services and other financial services
to the public.

 

WHEREAS, Employer desires
to employ Executive, and Executive desires to be employed by Employer, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions hereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good
and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and with the intent to be legally bound hereby,
Employer and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.            Employment.
Employer agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by Employer, on a full time basis, on the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.            Capacity.
The Executive shall serve the Employer as its Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. The Executive shall be principally responsible
for lending activities in the commercial, real estate, construction and consumer lending areas, subject to the directions of the Employer’s
Board of Directors (the “Board”) or Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Executive shall also serve Employer
in such other or additional offices and capacities as the Executive may be requested to serve by the Board or the CEO and shall perform
such services and duties in connection with the business, affairs and operations of, Employer as may be assigned or delegated from time
to time to Executive, when rendering services in such other or additional capacities, by or under the authority of the Board or the CEO.

 

3.            Extent
of Service. During Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time,
best efforts and business judgment, skill and knowledge to the advancement of Employer’s business and interests and to the discharge
of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive shall not engage in any other business activity, except
as may be approved in writing and in advance by the Board; provided, however, that nothing in this agreement shall be construed
as preventing Executive from:

 

(a)             investing
Executive’s assets in any company or other entity in a manner not prohibited by Section 8(d) hereof and in such form
or manner as shall not require any material activities on Executive’s part in connection with the operations or affairs of the
companies or other entities in which such investments are made; or

 

(b)            engaging
in religious, charitable or other community or non-profit activities that do not impair Executive’s ability to fulfill his/her
duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

4.            Term.
Unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 6 hereof, the term of Executive’s employment with Employer pursuant to this
Agreement is to be a period of three (3) consecutive years (the “Term”), commencing on January 1, 2015 and ending
on December 31, 2017.

 

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5.            Compensation
and Benefits. The regular compensation and benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement shall be as follows:

 

(a)            Salary.
For all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, Employer shall pay Executive a salary at the annual rate of Two Hundred
Twenty Five Thousand ($225,000), as the same may be increased in the sole discretion of the Board or its Compensation Committee (the
 “Compensation Committee”), at any time or from time to time hereafter (the “Base Annual Salary”). Executive’s
Base Annual Salary shall be payable in periodic installments in accordance with Employer’s usual payroll practices for its senior
executives.

 

(b)            Bonus
Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the annual incentive bonus programs for Employer’s senior executives;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5(b) or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be construed
to create any obligation on the part of Employer to maintain the effectiveness of any annual incentive bonus program. The performance
measures and goals that will be used to determine Executive’s entitlement to an annual incentive bonus under any such bonus program
that is established by Employer shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee.

 

(c)            Regular
Employee Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any qualified or any other retirement plans, stock option and equity
incentive plans, stock purchase plans, medical insurance plans, life insurance plans, disability insurance or income plans, vacation
plans, expense reimbursement plans and other benefit plans which Employer may from time to time have in effect for all or most of its
senior executives; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5(c) or elsewhere in this Agreement
shall be construed to create any obligation on the part of Employer to establish any such plan or to maintain the effectiveness of any
such plan which may be in effect from time to time during the Term. The extent and the terms and conditions of Executive’s participation
in any such plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions in the applicable plan documents, generally applicable policies of the
Employer, applicable law and the discretion of the Board, the Compensation Committee or any administrative or other committee provided
for in or contemplated by any such plan.

 

(d)            Reimbursement
of Business Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him/her in performing services pursuant
to this Agreement, in accordance with Employer’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures for its senior executives, as in
effect from time to time.

 

(e)            Taxation
of Compensation Payments and Benefits. Employer shall be entitled and shall undertake to make deductions, withholdings and tax reports
with respect to compensation payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement to the extent that Employer reasonably and in good
faith believes that it is required to make such deductions, withholdings and tax reports. Payments under this Agreement shall be in amounts
net of any such deductions or withholdings. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require Employer to make any payments to
compensate Executive for any adverse tax consequences associated with or arising out of any payments or benefits or for any deduction
or withholding from any payments or benefits.

 

(f)            Exclusivity
of Salary and Benefits. Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits other than those expressly provided for in this
Agreement.

 

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6.            Termination
of Employment. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate
prior to the end of the Term under the following circumstances and in accordance with the terms and provisions set forth below in this
Section 6.

 

(a)            Termination
by Employer for Cause. Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated for Cause, without further liability on
the part of Employer, effective immediately upon a vote of the Board and written notice to the Executive. Each of the following shall
constitute “Cause” that shall entitle Employer to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause:

 

(i)             any
act of gross negligence, willful misconduct or insubordination by Executive with respect to Employer or any of its Affiliates, or any
act of fraud, whether or not involving Employer or any Affiliate of Employer; or

 

(ii)            a
violation by Executive of any laws or government regulations applicable to Employer which could reasonably be expected to subject Employer
or any of its Affiliates (including any of their respective officer or directors) to disciplinary or enforcement action by any governmental
agency, including the assessment of civil money damages on Employer, or which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Employer’s
or any of its Affiliates reputation or goodwill with clients, customers, regulatory agencies or suppliers doing business with the Employer
or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(iii)           the
issuance of an order under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”)
requiring Executive to be removed or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s business; or

 

(iv)           the
commission by Executive of an act which would constitute (A) a felony or (B) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit,
dishonesty or fraud; or

 

(v)            any
failure of Executive to perform, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board, a substantial portion of Executive’s duties and responsibilities
assigned or delegated to him/her under this Agreement, which failure continues, in the judgment of the Board, for more than thirty (30)
days following the giving of written notice to Executive of such failure; or

 

(vi)           a
breach by Executive of any of Executive’s material obligations under this Agreement, which breach remains uncured within fifteen
(15) days following Executive’s receipt of written notice of the existence of such breach and, for such purposes, the term “material
obligations” shall include each of Executive’s covenants and obligations contained in Section 8 hereof; or

 

(vii)          a
violation by Executive of any conflict of interest policy, ethical conduct policy or employment policy adopted by Employer or Parent
or a breach by Executive of any of his/her fiduciary duties to Employer or Parent; or

 

(viii)         the
issuance of an order or directive by any government agency having jurisdiction over Employer or any of its Affiliates or over Executive
which requires Executive to disassociate himself/herself from Employer or any of its Affiliates, suspends Executive’s employment
or requires Employer to terminate Executive’s employment.

 

(b)            Termination
by Employer Without Cause. Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated by Employer without Cause upon written
notice to Executive, whereupon Executive shall become entitled to the severance compensation and benefits set forth in Section 7(b) of
this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained in this Agreement, it is acknowledged and agreed that
a termination pursuant to any of Sections 6(d) (entitled “Termination due to Death”), 6(e) (entitled “Disability”)
or 6(f) (entitled “Expiration of Term”) below, shall not be deemed to be or constitute a termination without Cause
for purposes of this Agreement.”

 

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(c)            Termination
by Executive for Good Reason. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth hereinafter in this Section 6(c), Executive shall
be entitled to terminate this Agreement and his/her employment with Employer hereunder for “Good Reason” and to receive the
severance compensation set forth in Section 7(b) below, if Employer takes any of the actions set forth in clauses (i) through
(iv) below (each a “Good Reason Action”):

 

(i)             Reduction
or Adverse Change of Authority and Responsibilities. Employer materially reduces Executive's authority, duties or responsibilities
with Employer, unless such reduction is made as a consequence of (i) any acts or omissions of Executive which would entitle Employer
to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined in Section 6(a) of this Agreement), or (ii) Executive’s
Disability (determined as provided in Section 6(e) of this Agreement);

 

(ii)            Material
Reduction in Salary. Employer materially reduces Executive's base salary or base compensation below the amount thereof as prescribed
by Executive’s Employment Agreement, unless such reduction is made (A) as part of an across-the-board cost-cutting measure
that is applied equally or proportionately to all senior executives of Employer, rather than discriminatorily against Executive, or (B) as
a result of any acts or omissions of Executive which would entitle Employer to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined
in Section 6(a) of this Agreement), or (C) by and at the election of the Employer as a result of Executive’s
Disability (determined as provided in Section 6(e) of this Agreement);

 

(iii)           Relocation.
Employer relocates Executive’s principal place of employment to an office (other than Employer's headquarters offices) located
more than thirty (30) miles from Executive’s then principal place of employment (other than for temporary assignments or
required travel in connection with the performance by Executive of his/her duties for Employer); or

 

(iv)           Breach
of Material Employment Obligations. Employer commits a breach of any of its material obligations to Executive under this Agreement
which breach continues uncured for a period of thirty (30) days following written notice thereof from Executive.

 

Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary that may be contained in this Section 6(c) or elsewhere in this Agreement: (x) the following conditions
must be satisfied in order for Executive to terminate this Agreement and his/her employment for Good Reason: (1) Executive shall
have given Employer a written notice of termination for Good Reason (a “Good Reason Termination Notice”) prior to the expiration
of a period of fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days commencing on the date that Executive is first notified in writing that Employer
has taken any such Good Reason Action, (2) Employer shall have failed to rescind or cure such Good Reason Action within thirty
(30) consecutive calendar days following its receipt of such Good Reason Termination Notice, and (3) the Good Reason Termination
Notice must expressly state that Executive is terminating his/her employment for Good Reason pursuant to this Section 6(c) and
must describe in reasonable detail the Good Reason Action that entitles Executive to terminate this Agreement and his/her employment
for Good Reason; and (y) Executive shall not be entitled to terminate his/her employment for Good Reason, if Executive shall have
consented to the taking of such Good Reason Action by Employer or if Employer was required to take any of the above-described actions
in order to comply with any applicable laws or government regulations or any order, ruling, instruction or determination of any court
or other tribunal or any government agency having jurisdiction over Employer or any of its Affiliates.”

 

(d)            Termination
due to Death. Executive’s employment with Employer shall terminate upon his/her death.

 

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(e)            Disability.
If Executive shall become disabled so as to be unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then existing position
or positions with Employer or with any of Employer’s Affiliates under this Agreement, then, upon the expiration of the lesser of
(i) six (6) months thereafter or (ii) the then remainder of the Term of this Agreement (the “Interim Disability
Period”), Executive’s employment may be terminated by Employer without liability to Executive, subject to the following terms
and provisions. The Board may remove Executive from any responsibilities and/or reassign Executive to another position with Employer
for and the during the Interim Disability Period, provided, however, that Executive shall continue to receive his/her full Base
Annual Salary (less any disability pay or sick pay benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Employer’s policies
or benefit programs), together with benefits Executive receives pursuant to Section 5 hereof (except to the extent that Executive
may be ineligible for one or more such benefits under applicable plan terms), for and during the Interim Disability Period. If any question
shall arise as to whether Executive is disabled so as to be unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then existing
position or positions, with or without reasonable accommodation, Executive may, and at the request of Employer shall, submit to Employer
a physician’s certification (in reasonable detail) as to whether Executive is so disabled and how long such disability is expected
to continue. Such certification shall be obtained only from a physician who is selected by Employer and to whom Executive or Executive’s
guardian (as the case may be) has no reasonable objection and the certification so obtained shall for purposes of this Agreement be conclusive
of such question or any issue as to the matters addressed in such certification. Executive shall cooperate with any reasonable request
of that physician in connection with such certification, including a request that Executive undergo any physical or mental examination
or tests, as deemed appropriate by such physician. If Executive shall fail to submit to such an examination or any such tests, as such
physician deems in his/her discretion to be appropriate for purposes of enabling physician to make such certification, then, Employer’s
determinations with respect to the questions of whether Executive is disabled and how long such disability is expected to continue shall
be binding on Executive. Nothing in this Section 6(d) shall be construed to waive the Executive’s rights, if any, under
existing law including, without limitation, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. and the Americans
with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

 

(f)            Terminations
due to Certain Regulatory Actions Affecting Employer.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained elsewhere in
this agreement, this Agreement, and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate, on the occurrence of any of the following
events:

 

(i)             A
conservator, receiver, or other legal custodian is appointed for the Employer pursuant to any adjudication or other official determination
by any court of competent jurisdiction, the DBO, or any governmental authority having jurisdiction over Employer; or

 

(ii)            the
Director of the DBO, or his or her designee, requires this Agreement to be terminated due to (A) the entry, by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Employer under the authority
contained in 13(c) of the FDIA; or (B) the approval of a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operations of
the Employer or (C) a determination by the DBO or the FDIC that the Employer is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

 

(g)            Expiration
of Term. Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate automatically on and as of the expiration date of the
Term (whether that is at the end of the Original Term or any Renewal Period), unless the parties shall have executed a written agreement
of renewal as contemplated in Section 4 hereof.

 

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(h)            Survival.
Upon expiration or any termination of Executive’s employment with Employer pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 6,
this Agreement also shall terminate; provided, however, that the following shall survive and remain in full force and effect
after the expiration or any termination of this Agreement: (i) the respective representations and warranties of each party contained
in this Agreement, which shall continue in effect throughout the Term, and (ii) the respective rights, obligations and covenants
and agreements of the parties contained in Sections 7 (entitled "Compensation Upon Termination"), Section 8 (entitled
 "Protective Covenants"), Section 9 (entitled "Arbitration of Disputes") and Section 10 (entitled "Miscellaneous")
hereof.

 

(i)             Suspension
of Employment. If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s
business by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the FDIA (a “Suspension Notice”), the Employer’s
obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date on which service of such Suspension Notice is made, unless such suspension
is stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the Suspension Notice are dismissed, Employer may, in its discretion (i) pay
the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while Employer’s obligations hereunder were suspended, and (ii) reinstate
(in whole or in part) any of the obligations of Employer that were suspended.

 

7.            Compensation
Upon Termination.

 

(a)            Termination
Generally. If Executive’s employment with Employer expires or is terminated (whether by Employer or Executive) for any reason
during the Term, Employer shall pay or provide to Executive (or to his/her authorized representative or estate): (i) any unpaid
Base Annual Salary earned through the date of such termination; (ii) any unpaid incentive compensation that is deemed earned and
has become payable under the terms of any incentive compensation program in which Executive was participating at the time of or had participated
prior to such expiration or termination of employment; (iii) unpaid expense reimbursements; (iv) accrued but unused vacation,
and (v) any vested benefits Executive may have earned under any employee benefit plan of Employer or Parent prior to the expiration
or termination of Executive’s employment; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(a),
if Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to Section 6(a) above or pursuant to Section 6(f),
due to certain Regulatory Actions, then, unless otherwise required by applicable law, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
unpaid incentive compensation that might otherwise have been due to Executive.

 

(b)            Termination
by the Employer Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment by Employer
without Cause pursuant to Section 6(b) above, or by Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(c) above,
then subject to Executive’s execution and delivery of an agreement, that is satisfactory in a form and substance to Employer, releasing
any and all legal claims (known or unknown) Executive may have against Employer or any or its Affiliates, Employer shall provide to Executive
the following termination benefits (“Termination Benefits”):

 

(i)             A
severance payment (the “Severance Payment”) in an amount equal to (x) twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base
Annual Salary or (y) the aggregate Base Annual Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Term of the
Agreement if such remaining Term is shorter than the aforementioned twelve (12) month period, as the case may be (the “Termination
Benefits Period”); and

 

(ii)            continuation
during the Termination Benefits Period of group health plan benefits to the extent authorized by and consistent with 29 U.S.C. §
1161 et seq. (commonly known as “COBRA”), subject to payment of premiums by Executive at the active employee’s rate
(the Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit”).

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this Section 7(b) or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (A) the Severance Payment
and the Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit that would otherwise be payable to Executive pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall
be reduced by the amount of any severance compensation or health insurance benefits that are due or are otherwise paid to Executive under
any separate severance compensation or change in control or similar agreement between Executive, on the one hand, and Employer or Employer's
Parent, on the other hand, or any severance pay or stay bonus plan of Employer or Parent (irrespective of when such agreement is entered
into or such plan becomes effective); (B) if Executive commences any employment with another employer during the Termination Benefits
Period and that other employer offers group health plan or health insurance benefits reasonably comparable to those available from Employer,
then, the Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit provided under paragraph 7(b)(ii) above shall cease to be payable as of the date
of commencement of such employment; and (C) nothing in this Section 7(b) shall be construed to affect Executive's right
to receive COBRA continuation entirely at Executive's own cost to the extent that Executive may continue to be entitled to COBRA continuation
after the Executive's Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit under this Section 7(b)(ii) ceases. Executive shall be obligated
to give prompt notice of the date of commencement of any employment during the Termination Benefits Period and shall respond promptly
to any reasonable inquiries concerning any employment in which Executive may be engaged during the Termination Benefits Period. The Termination
Benefits shall be paid by Employer in installments in accordance with the customary payroll practices of Employer (net of required deductions
and withholdings).

 

(c)            Termination
Upon Death. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to death, Employer shall pay to Executive’s estate
an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Annual Salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to such
termination (the "Death Benefit"), less the amount of any life insurance benefits which Executive's estate or any of Executive's
beneficiaries receive under any Employer-provided life insurance plan or program in which Executive was participating at the time of
his/her death. Any Death Benefit payable pursuant to this Section 7(c) shall be paid in a lump sum payment (net of any tax
and any other required withholdings) to the beneficiary designated in writing by Executive, or if no beneficiary was designated, to his/her
estate, as soon as is practicable following Executive’s death.

 

(d)            Exclusivity
of Termination Benefits. Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits due to the expiration or termination of Executive’s
employment with Employer other than those benefits that are expressly provided for in this Section 7. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Termination Benefits set forth in Section 7(b), together with any severance benefits that Executive may be
entitled to receive under any separate severance compensation or change of control or stay-pay agreement to which executive may be a
party or any separate severance or stay pay plan in which Executive may be a participant, shall constitute the exclusive rights and remedies
against Employer and its Affiliates to which Executive shall be entitled by reason of termination or Executive’s employment by
Employer without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason or for any damages arising therefrom.

 

8.            Protective
Covenants.

 

(a)            Certain
Definitions.

 

(i)             Confidential
Information. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to Employer or
any of its Affiliates which is of value to Employer or any such Affiliates in the course of conducting any of their respective businesses
and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to Employer or any such Affiliates. Confidential Information
includes, without limitation, financial information, including financial statements and projections, business and expansion or growth
plans, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes
or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists and information regarding, or supplied to Employer or any
of its Affiliates by, any of their respective existing or prospective customers; supplier lists and information about, or provided to
Employer or any of its Affiliates by, any of their respective suppliers, vendors or consultants; information regarding the capabilities,
duties or compensation of employees of Employer or of any its Affiliates; and information regarding the business prospects and opportunities
of Employer or any of its Affiliates (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities). Confidential Information
also includes information developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment by Employer, as well as other information
to which the Executive may have access in connection with Executive’s employment, and the confidential information of others with
which Employer has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the
public domain, unless such information entered the public domain as a result of a breach of any of Executive’s covenants under
Section 8(b). Executive acknowledges and agrees that Employer has a legitimate business interest in protecting the Confidential
Information.

 

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(ii)            Competing
Business. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Competing Business” shall mean a business conducted anywhere
within [the counties of Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside, in the state of California] which is located within
forty (40) miles of any office or facility used by Employer or any of its Affiliates which is competitive with any business which Employer
or any of its Affiliates conducts or proposes to conduct at any time during Executive’s employment with Employer or any of its
Affiliates, including, without limitation, the commercial banking business and the investment advisory services business.

 

(b)            Confidentiality.

 

(i)             Executive
understands and agrees that Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between Executive and Employer,
including with respect to all Confidential Information, whether such Confidential Information exists on the Employment Commencement Date
or is created, developed or acquired or comes into being at any time during the term of this Agreement. Executive covenants and agrees
that, at all times (both during Executive’s employment with Employer and after its expiration or termination for any reason), Executive
will keep all Confidential Information in strict confidence and trust and will not disclose any of the Confidential Information to any
Person, and Executive covenants and agrees that he will not use any of the Confidential Information for Executive’s benefit or
the benefit of any Person other than Employer and Parent and their Affiliates.

 

(ii)            In
the event that Executive is requested or required (including by means of deposition, interrogatories, requests for information or documents
in legal proceedings, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process or by a tribunal, court or regulatory agency, (including,
but not limited to the DFI and the FDIC) having applicable jurisdiction, to disclose any of the Confidential Information, Executive shall,
unless prohibited by law or regulation, provide Employer with prompt written notice of any such request or requirement so that Employer
may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of this Section 8(b) with
respect to such requested or required Confidential Information. If, in the absence of a protective order or other remedy acceptable to
Employer or the receipt of a waiver from Employer, Executive is nonetheless legally required to disclose such Confidential Information
to any tribunal, court or government agency to avoid being held liable for contempt or suffering other censure or penalty, Executive
may, without thereby violating this Section 8(b) or incurring any liability to Employer hereunder, disclose only that portion
of the Confidential Information that Executive is legally required to disclose. In any case, Executive shall cooperate with Employer
in any efforts it may undertake to preserve the confidentiality of such Confidential Information, including, without limitation, by cooperating
with Employer’s efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will
be accorded the Confidential Information.”

 

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(c)            Documents,
Records, etc. All documents, records, data, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, including cell phones and computers,
and whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information, which are furnished to Executive by Employer or which are produced by Executive
in connection with Executive’s employment, will be and remain the sole property of Employer. Executive will return to Employer
all such materials and property as and when requested by Employer or if no request therefor has theretofore been made, then, immediately
upon the expiration or termination of Executive’s employment with Employer for any reason whatsoever. Executive covenants and agrees
that he/she will not retain any such materials or property or any copies thereof after any such expiration or termination of his/her
employment with Employer.

 

(d)            Noncompetition
Covenant. During the Term of this Agreement, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, partner, shareholder,
consultant, agent, employee, co-venturer, lender or creditor or otherwise, engage, participate, assist, support or invest in any Competing
Business.

 

(e)            Non-Solicitation
Covenant. Executive covenants and agrees that, during the Term and for a period equal to eighteen (18) months thereafter, he shall
not, either on behalf of himself or any other Person, directly or indirectly, solicit or attempt to employ or hire or recruit or hire
any Person who is, or during the prior twelve (12) months had been, an employee of Employer, its Parent or any of their Affiliates or
induce or influence any such employee to leave the employ of Employer, Parent or any of their respective Affiliates.

 

(f)            Non-Interference
Covenant. Executive acknowledges that in connection with and in the course of his/her employment with Employer, Executive will have
access to trade secrets and other Confidential Information of Employer, Parent and their respective Affiliates, which Confidential Information
may include, without limitation, the identities of and information about the banking and other financial service needs and the investment
goals and plans of clients and customers of Employer, Parent or any of their respective its Affiliates. As a result of his/her employment
with Employer, Executive also will be given, by Employer, Parent or their Affiliates, the opportunity, resources and Confidential Information
which Executive will need to establish business relationships with existing and prospective clients and customers of Employer, Parent,
or their Affiliates, all for the exclusive benefit of Employer and Parent or their respective Affiliates. Accordingly, Executive covenants
and agrees that during the Term of his/her employment with Employer and for a period of eighteen (18) months following the termination,
for any reason whatsoever, of his/her employment with Employer (including any voluntary termination or any termination for Good Reason
by Executive or any termination by Employer with or without Cause), Executive shall not use any information that constitutes a trade
secret or Confidential Information of Employer, Parent or any of their Affiliates to directly or indirectly, personally or through others,
(i) solicit for or on behalf of any Person competing against Employer or its Affiliates, any existing or prospective client or
customer of Employer, Parent or any of their Affiliates, or (ii) encourage or induce any client, customer, supplier or vendor of
or service provider to Employer, Parent or any of their Affiliates to terminate or modify (in a manner adverse to any of them) the business
relationship that any such client, customer, supplier, vendor or service provider has with any of them.

 

(g)            Exception
for Ownership of Shares in Public Companies. Notwithstanding the foregoing covenants, Executive may own up to five percent (5%) of
the outstanding capital stock of a publicly traded corporation which constitutes or is affiliated with a Competing Business, provided
that Executive is a passive investor in that corporation and does not provide any assistance or support of any kind, financial or other
(other than his/her ownership of such capital stock) to or serve in any capacity with, such corporation or any of its Affiliates.

 

    -9-

     

    

 

(h)            Certain
Acknowledgements. Executive (i) understands, acknowledges and agrees that each of the covenants and restrictions set forth,
respectively, in Subsections 8(b) through 8(f) above are intended to protect the interests of Employer, its Parent
and their respective Affiliates in their trade secrets and other Confidential Information and established client, customer, supplier,
vendor, employee and consultant relationships and the goodwill established by Employer, Parent or such Affiliates with or among their
respective clients, customers, suppliers, vendors, employees and consultants, (ii) acknowledges and agrees that this Section 8
imposes no greater restraint or restriction on Executive than is reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of
Employer, Parent and their Affiliates, and such restrictions are reasonable and appropriate for this purpose and will not adversely affect
Executive’s ability, following a termination of his/her employment with Employer, to earn a livelihood from his/her chosen profession,
and (iii) acknowledges that the consideration received by him pursuant to this Agreement is good, valuable and adequate consideration
in exchange for his/her covenants and agreements contained in this Section 8.

 

(i)             Severability.
If any of the definitions contained in Section 8(a) or any of the covenants or agreements of Executive contained in Subsections
8(b), 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), or 8(f) above or in Subsections 8(j) or 8(k) below (collectively, the “Protective Covenants”)
is held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or unreasonable as to time, geographic coverage, or business limitation,
Executive and Employer agree that in any such instance that particular definition or that particular Protective Covenant, as the case
may be (the “Offending Provision”) shall be reformed to the maximum time, geographic area or business limitation (as the
case may be) that will permit it to be enforced under applicable law. The parties further agree that, in any such event, all of the remaining
definitions and Protective Covenants shall be severable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall be enforceable independently
of each other and a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction that any definition or Protective Covenant is unenforceable or unreasonable
to any extent shall not affect or impair the continued validity or enforceability of the other definitions or Protective Covenants contained
in this Section 8

 

(j)             Third
Party Agreements and Rights. Executive hereby represents and warrants that he is not bound by the terms of any contract or other
agreement (written or oral) with any previous employer or other Person which restricts in any way Executive’s use or disclosure
of information or Executive’s engagement in any business. Executive further represents and warrants to Employer that Executive’s
execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive’s employment with Employer and the performance of Executive’s duties
for Employer pursuant to this Agreement will not violate any obligations, contractual or other, that Executive may have to any such previous
employer or other Person. In Executive’s work for Employer, Executive will not disclose or make use of any information in violation
of any contracts or other agreements (written or oral) with or the rights of any such previous employer or other Person, and Executive
will not bring to the premises of Employer any copies or other tangible embodiments of nonpublic information belonging to or obtained
from any such previous employer or other Person.

 

(k)            Litigation
and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall cooperate fully with Employer, Parent and
their Affiliates in the prosecution or defense of any claims or actions or other proceedings which has been or may be brought on behalf
of or against Employer, Parent or any of their Affiliates which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed
by Employer. Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but shall not be limited to,
being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of Employer, Parent or any of
their Affiliates at mutually convenient times. During and after the Term of this Agreement, Executive also shall cooperate fully with
Employer, Parent and their Affiliates in connection with any examination, investigation or review by any federal, state or local regulatory
authority which covers any period, or relates to events or occurrences that transpired, while Executive was employed by Employer. Executive
acknowledges that the performance by him of the covenants and duties set forth in this Section 8(k) during the term of this
Agreement are part of his/her duties under this Agreement and that he shall not be entitled to any compensation therefor that is separate
from or in addition to his/her compensation under this Agreement. If Executive performs any of the duties as required by this Section 8(k) after
the Term of this Agreement, as Executive’s compensation therefor, Employer shall reimburse Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with the performance by Executive of his/her duties under this Section 8(k).

 

    -10-

     

    

 

(l)             Equitable
Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that it would be difficult to measure the damages that Employer will sustain as a result
of any breach by Executive of any of the Protective Covenants or any of the other agreements of Executive contained in this Section 8
and that monetary damages, in and of themselves, would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach. Accordingly, Executive agrees that
if he/she breaches, or threatens to breach, any of the Protective Covenants or any of the other agreements of Executive contained in
this Section 8, Employer shall be entitled, in addition to all other rights or remedies that it may have under this Agreement or
under applicable law, to bring an equitable proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction and, in any such proceeding, to be awarded
(i) temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to require Executive to halt any such breach, or to refrain from committing
any threatened breach (as the case may be), of any of such Protective Covenants or other agreements, and (ii) such other appropriate
equitable remedies to require Executive to comply with such Protective Covenants and other agreements, without having to show or prove
any actual monetary damages to Employer. Employer shall not be required to post a bond or monetary or other security as a condition to
the issuance or continuation of any such injunctive relief or the granting or continuance of such other equitable remedies provided for
in this Section 8(l).”

 

9.           Arbitration
of Disputes. Except as otherwise provided in Section 8(i) above and the last sentence of this Section 9 with respect
to equitable proceedings and remedies, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the performance or non-performance
(actual or alleged) by either party of any of such party's respective obligations hereunder or any actual or alleged breach thereof,
or otherwise arising out of the Executive’s employment or the termination of that employment (including, without limitation, any
claims of unlawful employment discrimination whether based on age or otherwise) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be resolved
exclusively by binding arbitration in any forum and form agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such an agreement, under the
auspices of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in Orange County, California in accordance with the Employment Dispute
Resolution Rules of the AAA, including, but not limited to, the rules and procedures applicable to the selection of arbitrators.
In the event that any Person other than Executive or Employer may be a party with regard to any such controversy or claim, such controversy
or claim shall be submitted to arbitration subject to such other Person’s agreement thereto. Judgment upon the award rendered by
the arbitrator in any such arbitration proceeding may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This Section 9 shall
be specifically enforceable. The reasonable fees and disbursements of the prevailing party's legal counsel, accountants and experts incurred
in connection with any such arbitration proceeding shall be paid by the non-prevailing party in such arbitration proceeding. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary that may be contained in this Section 9, each party shall be entitled to bring an action in any court
of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction or other
equitable remedies in circumstances in which such relief is appropriate.

 

10.          Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Entire
Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to that subject
matter.

 

(b)           Assignment;
Successors and Assigns, etc. Neither Employer nor Executive may make any assignment, in whole or in part, of this Agreement
or any interest herein, by operation of law or otherwise, or delegate any of their respective duties hereunder, without the prior written
consent of the other party; provided, however, that Employer shall be entitled to assign this Agreement and delegate its
duties under this Agreement, without the consent of Executive, in the event that Employer shall consummate a reorganization, consolidate
or merge with or into any other Person, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any other Person. Subject
to the foregoing restrictions on assignment, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on Employer and Executive, and
their respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.

 

    -11-

     

    

 

(c)            Enforceability.
If any portion or provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any portion or provision of any section of this Agreement)
shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement,
or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable,
shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent
permitted by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Section 8(f), and not the provisions of this Section 10(c),
shall apply to the covenants and other agreements contained in and the provisions of Section 8 hereof.

 

(d)            Waiver.
No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party
to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any party of any right or obligation under or
breach of this Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term, right or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any
prior or subsequent breach of the same obligation.

 

(e)            Notices.
Any notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement ("Notices") shall be sufficient if in
writing and delivered in person or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service or by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, to Executive at the last address Executive has filed in writing with the Employer or, in the case
of any Notice to be given to Employer, at its main offices, attention of the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be effective on the date
of delivery in person or by courier or three (3) days after the date such Notice is mailed by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid and return receipt requested (whether or not the requested receipt is returned).

 

(f)            Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by the Executive and by a duly authorized representative
of the Employer.

 

(g)            Interpretation
and Construction of this Agreement. This Agreement is the result of arms-length bargaining by the parties, each party was represented
by legal counsel of such party's choosing in connection with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and no provision of this
Agreement shall be construed against a party, due to an ambiguity therein or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such provision may
have been drafted by counsel for such party. For purposes of this Agreement: (i) the term "Person" shall mean,
in addition to any natural person, a corporation, limited liability company, general or limited partnership, joint venture, trust, estate
or any other entity; (ii) when used with reference to Employer, the term “Affiliate” shall mean any Person that
controls, is controlled by or is under common control with Employer and shall include Parent and its other subsidiaries; (iii) the
term "including" shall mean "including without limitation" or "including but not limited to"; (iv) the
term "or" shall not be deemed to be exclusive; and (v) the terms "hereof," "herein,"
 "hereinafter," "hereunder," and "hereto," and any similar terms shall refer to this
Agreement as a whole and not to the particular Section, paragraph or clause in which any such term is used, unless the context in which
any such term is used clearly indicates otherwise.

 

(h)            Governing
Law. This Agreement is being entered into and will be performed in the State of California and shall be construed under and be governed
in all respects by and enforced under the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of
such State.

 

(i)             Headings.
The Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect, nor shall
be considered in connection with, the construction or application of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

    -12-

     

    

 

(j)            Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such executed counterpart, and any photocopy or facsimile copy
thereof, shall constitute an original of this Agreement; but all such executed counterparts and photocopies and facsimile copies thereof
shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been executed by Employer and by Executive as of the Effective Date.

 

	 	EMPLOYER:
	 	 
	 	FIRST FOUNDATION BANK
	 	 
	 	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh                      
	 	 
	 	Name:	Scott F. Kavanaugh
	 	 
	 	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

 

	 	EXECUTIVE
	 	 
	 	/s/ Chris Naghibi
	 	Name: Chris M Naghibi

 

    -13-

     

    

 

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT (the "Amendment" or this "Amendment") is made as of January 26, 2016 (the "Effective Date"),
by and between First Foundation Bank, a California corporation (the “Employer”), and Chris M. Naghibi ("Executive"),
with reference to the following:

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015 (the "Employment Agreement"); and

 

WHEREAS, Employer conducts
a banking business as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation Inc. (“Parent”), which, through its subsidiaries (collectively
 “Affiliates”), provides commercial banking, investment management, wealth management, advisory services, trust services and
other financial services to the public.

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
desire to amend the Employment Agreement in the manner and to the extent set forth hereinafter.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good
and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and with the intent to be legally bound hereby,
Employer and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.            Amendment
to Section 4. Section 4 of the Employment Agreement, entitled "Term" is hereby amended so the the following is
added as the second sentence to this section:

 

“The expiration date of the Term of the Agreement
is hereby extended to December 31, 2018.”

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Amendment has been executed by Employer and by Executive as of the date first above written.

 

	EMPLOYER:	 
	 	 
	FIRST FOUNDATION BANK	 
	 	 
	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 
	Name:	Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer	 
	 	 
	EXECUTIVE	 
	 	 
	/s/ Chris M. Naghibi	 
	Name: Chris M. Naghibi	 

 

    -1-

     

    

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This SECOND AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “First Amendment” or this “Amendment”) is made as of February 7, 2018 (the “Effective
Date”), by and between First Foundation Bank (the “Employer”), a California corporation, and Chris M. Naghibi (“Executive”),
with reference to the following:

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2015, as amended by that certain Amendment to Employment
Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 (as amended, the “Employment Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, Employer conducts
a banking business as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation Inc. (“Parent”), which, through its subsidiaries (collectively
 “Affiliates”), provides commercial banking, investment management, wealth management, advisory services, trust services and
other financial services to the public.

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
desire to amend the Employment Agreement in the manner and to the extent set forth hereinafter.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good
and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and with the intent to be legally bound hereby,
Employer and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.            Amendment
to Section 4. The second sentence of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“The expiration date of the Term
of the Agreement is hereby extended to December 31, 2020.”

 

2.            Amendment
and Restatement of Section 7. Section 7 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety
as follows:

 

“7.          Compensation
Upon Termination.

 

(a)            Termination
Generally. If Executive’s employment with Employer expires or is terminated (whether by Employer or Executive) for any reason
during the Term, Employer shall pay or provide to Executive (or to his/her authorized representative or estate): (i) any unpaid
Base Annual Salary earned through the date of such termination; (ii) any unpaid incentive compensation that is deemed earned and
has become payable under the terms of any incentive compensation program in which Executive was participating at the time of or had participated
prior to such expiration or termination of employment; (iii) unpaid expense reimbursements; (iv) accrued but unused vacation,
and (v) any vested benefits Executive may have earned under any employee benefit plan of Employer or Parent prior to the expiration
or termination of Executive’s employment; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(a),
if Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to Section 6(a) above or pursuant to Section 6(f),
due to certain Regulatory Actions, then, unless otherwise required by applicable law, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
unpaid incentive compensation that might otherwise have been due to Executive. All payments required to be made pursuant to this Section 7(a) shall
be made within thirty (30) days following termination or on such earlier date as is required by applicable law.

 

    -1-

     

    

 

(b)            Termination
by the Employer Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment by Employer
without Cause pursuant to Section 6(b) above, or by Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(c) above,
then subject to Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation within sixty (60) days following the date of termination of
an agreement, that is satisfactory in a form and substance to Employer, releasing any and all legal claims (known or unknown) Executive
may have against Employer or any or its Affiliates, Employer shall provide to Executive the following termination benefits (“Termination
Benefits”):

 

(i)             A
severance payment (the “Severance Payment”) in an amount equal to (x) twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base
Annual Salary or (y) the aggregate Base Annual Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Term of the
Agreement if such remaining Term is shorter than the aforementioned 12-month period, as the case may be (the “Termination Benefits
Period”); and

 

(ii)            continuation
during the Termination Benefits Period of group health plan benefits to the extent authorized by and consistent with 29 U.S.C. §
1161 et seq. (commonly known as “COBRA”), subject to payment of premiums by Executive at the active employee’s rate
and solely to the extent that such continuation will not subject Employer or its Affiliates to any tax or penalty under Section 105(h) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Health
Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit”).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Section 7(b) or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (A) the Severance Payment and the Health Insurance
Cost Sharing Benefit that would otherwise be payable to Executive pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall be reduced by the amount
of any severance compensation or health insurance benefits that are due or are otherwise paid to Executive under any separate severance
compensation or change in control or similar agreement between Executive, on the one hand, and Employer or Employer’s Parent, on
the other hand, or any severance pay or stay bonus plan of Employer or Parent (irrespective of when such agreement is entered into or
such plan becomes effective); (B) if Executive commences any employment with another employer during the Termination Benefits Period
and that other employer offers group health plan or health insurance benefits reasonably comparable to those available from Employer,
then, the Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit provided under paragraph 7(b)(ii) above shall cease to be payable as of the date
of commencement of such employment; and (C) nothing in this Section 7(b) shall be construed to affect Executive’s
right to receive COBRA continuation entirely at Executive’s own cost to the extent that Executive may continue to be entitled to
COBRA continuation after the Executive’s Health Insurance Cost Sharing Benefit under this Section 7(b)(ii) ceases.
Executive shall be obligated to give prompt notice of the date of commencement of any employment during the Termination Benefits Period
and shall respond promptly to any reasonable inquiries concerning any employment in which Executive may be engaged during the Termination
Benefits Period. The Termination Benefits shall be paid by Employer in installments over the Termination Benefits Period in accordance
with the customary payroll practices of Employer (net of required deductions and withholdings); provided, that the first payment shall
be made on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the sixtieth (60th) day after the date of termination and shall include
payment of any amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto.

 

(c)            Termination
Upon Death. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to death, Employer shall pay to Executive’s estate
an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Annual Salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to such
termination (the “Death Benefit”), less the amount of any life insurance benefits which Executive’s estate or any of
Executive’s beneficiaries receive under any Employer-provided life insurance plan or program in which Executive was participating
at the time of his/her death. Any Death Benefit payable pursuant to this Section 7(c) shall be paid in a lump sum payment
(net of any tax and any other required withholdings) to the beneficiary designated in writing by Executive, or if no beneficiary was
designated, to his/her estate, as soon as is practicable following Executive’s death.

 

    -2-

     

    

 

(d)            Exclusivity
of Termination Benefits. Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits due to the expiration or termination of Executive’s
employment with Employer other than those benefits that are expressly provided for in this Section 7. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Termination Benefits set forth in Section 7(b), together with any severance benefits that Executive may be
entitled to receive under any separate severance compensation or change of control or stay-pay agreement to which Executive may be a
party or any separate severance or stay pay plan in which Executive may be a participant, shall constitute the exclusive rights and remedies
against Employer and its Affiliates to which Executive shall be entitled by reason of termination or Executive’s employment by
Employer without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason or for any damages arising therefrom.”

 

3.            Addition
of Section 11. The following is hereby added as a new Section 11 of the Employment Agreement:

 

“11.        Section 409A

 

(a)            The
parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury
regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement
shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. In no
event whatsoever will Employer be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Code Section 409A
or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

 

(b)            A
termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment
of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A upon or following
a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A
and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment”
or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified
employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision
of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation
from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of
the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of
Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed
pursuant to this Subsection 11(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence
of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump
sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment
dates specified for them herein.

 

(c)            With
regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code
Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another
benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not
affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, to be provided in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments
shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred. For
purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be
treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment
period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination”),
the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of Employer.”

 

    -3-

     

    

 

4.            Except
as otherwise provided herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the definitions set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

5.            Except
as expressly modified hereby, all terms, conditions and provisions of the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been executed by Employer and by Executive as of the Effective Date.

 

Signature page follows

 

    -4-

     

    

 

	EMPLOYER:	 
	 	 	 
	FIRST FOUNDATION BANK	 
	 	 	 
	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 	 
	Name.	Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 	 
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	EXECUTIVE:	 
	 	 	 
	/s/ Chris M. Naghibi	 
	Name: Chris M. Naghibi	 

 

    -5-

     

    

 

THIRD AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This THIRD AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT (the “First Amendment” or this “Amendment”) is made as of March 11, 2020 (the “Effective
Date”), by and between First Foundation Bank (the “Employer”), a California corporation, and Chris M. Naighibi (“Executive”),
with reference to the following:

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2015, as amended by that certain Amendment to Employment
Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 and by that certain Second Amendment of Employment Agreement dated as of February 7,
2018 (as amended, the “Employment Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, Employer conducts
a banking business as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation Inc. (“Parent”), which, through its subsidiaries (collectively
 “Affiliates”), provides commercial banking, investment management, wealth management, advisory services, trust services and
other financial services to the public.

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
desire to amend the Employment Agreement in the manner and to the extent set forth hereinafter.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good
and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and with the intent to be legally bound hereby,
Employer and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.            Amendment
to Section 4. The second sentence of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“The expiration date of the Term
of the Agreement is hereby extended to December 31, 2022.”

 

2.            Except
as otherwise provided herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the definitions set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

3.            Except
as expressly modified hereby, all terms, conditions and provisions of the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been executed by Employer and by Executive as of the Effective Date.

 

Signature page follows

 

    -1-

     

    

 

	EMPLOYER:	 
	 	 	 
	FIRST FOUNDATION BANK	 
	 	 	 
	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 	 
	Name.	Scott Kavanaugh	 
	 	 	 
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	EXECUTIVE:	 
	 	 	 
	/s/ Chris M. Naghibi	 
	Name: Chris M. Naghibi	 

 

    -2-

     

    

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Fourth Amendment” or this “Amendment”) is made as of December 5, 2022 (the “Effective
Date”), by and between First Foundation Bank, a California corporation (the “Employer”), and Chris M. Naghibi (“Executive”),
with reference to the following:

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Employer and
Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2015, as amended by that certain Amendment to
Employment Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016, that certain Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of
February 7, 2018, and that certain Third Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of March 11, 2020 (as amended, the
 “Employment Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, Employer conducts
a banking business as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation Inc. (“Parent”), which, through its subsidiaries (collectively
 “Affiliates”), provides commercial banking, investment management, wealth management, advisory services, trust services and
other financial services to the public.

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive
desire to amend the Employment Agreement in the manner and to the extent set forth hereinafter.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good
and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and with the intent to be legally bound hereby,
Employer and Executive agree as follows:

 

2.            Amendment
to Section 2. Section 2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“2.         Capacity.
The Executive shall serve the Employer as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The Executive shall be principally
responsible for duties typical for the chief operating officer of a similarly situated financial services company, subject to the directions
of the Employer’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) or Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Executive shall
also serve Employer in such other or additional offices and capacities as the Executive may be requested to serve by the Board or the
CEO and shall perform such services and duties in connection with the business, affairs and operations of, Employer as may be assigned
or delegated from time to time to Executive, when rendering services in such other or additional capacities, by or under the authority
of the Board or the CEO.”

 

3.            Amendment
to Section 4. The second sentence of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“The expiration date of the Term
of the Agreement is hereby extended to December 31, 2025.”

 

3.            Amendment
to Section 5(a). Section 5(a) the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in their entirety as follows:

 

“(a)        Salary.
For all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, Employer shall pay Executive a salary at the annual rate of Four Hundred
Twenty Thousand dollars ($420,000), as the same may be increased in the sole discretion of the Board or its Compensation Committee (the
 “Compensation Committee”), at any time or from time to time hereafter (the “Base Annual Salary”). Executive’s
Base Annual Salary shall be payable in periodic installments in accordance with Employer’s usual payroll practices for its senior
executives.”

 

    -1-

     

    

 

4.            Except
as otherwise provided herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the definitions set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

5.            Except
as expressly modified hereby, all terms, conditions and provisions of the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

Signature page follows

 

    -2-

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been executed by Employer and by Executive as of the Effective Date.

 

	EMPLOYER:	 
	 	 
	FIRST FOUNDATION BANK	 
	 	 
	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	 	 
	Name:	 Scott Kavanaugh	 
	 	 
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer	 
	 	 
	 	 
	EXECUTIVE:	 
	 	 
	/s/ Chris M. Naghibi	 
	Name: Chris M. Naghibi	 

 

    -3-Exhibit 10.2

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE COMPENSATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of August 6, 2020 (“Effective Date”),
is made by and between First Foundation Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Chris Naghibi (the “Executive”),
with reference to the following facts and circumstances:

 

R E C I T A L S:

 

A.            The
Company’s Board of Directors previously determined that it is appropriate and in the Company’s best interests to reinforce
and encourage the continued attention and dedication of key members of the management of the Company and its material subsidiaries, who
include the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in potentially disturbing circumstances that would arise in the event
of a threatened or actual Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) of the Company or such subsidiaries and thereby also provide the
Company with greater assurance that it will be able to retain the key members of management, including Executive, in the employ of the
Company or a material subsidiary (as the case may be) in the event of any threatened or actual Change in Control;

 

B.            The
Company and Executive entered into a Change of Control Severance Compensation Agreement dated January 1, 2015 (“Prior Agreement”);

 

C.            This
Agreement entirely replaces and supersedes the Prior Agreement and sets forth the severance compensation which the Company agrees it will
pay, or cause the Subsidiary to pay, to Executive if his employment with the Company or First Foundation Bank (the “Subsidiary”),
as the case may be, terminates under one of the circumstances described herein in connection with a Change in Control as set forth below;
and

 

D.            Executive
is employed as an Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of Subsidiary under an Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2015
(as amended, the “Employment Agreement”). This Agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of the Company and Executive
in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment, due to a Qualifying Termination (as defined below), that occurs in connection
with a Change in Control as set forth below. On the other hand, the Employment Agreement, rather than this Agreement, governs and determines
the severance compensation (if any) to which Executive would be entitled upon any other termination of Executive’s employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed
as follows:

 

1.            Definitions.
The following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them below in this Section 1:

 

1.1            The
terms “affiliate” and “associate” shall have the respective meanings given to such terms in Rule 12b-2
under the Exchange Act (even if the Company has no securities registered under that Act).

 

1.2            The
terms “beneficial ownership,” “beneficially owned” and “beneficial owner” shall
have the meanings given to such terms in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (even if the Company has no securities registered under
that Act).

 

    -1-

     

    

 

1.3            The
term “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

  

1.4            The
term “Parent” of a corporation or other entity means any person that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of a majority of the Voting Securities of that corporation or other entity.

 

1.5            The
term “Voting Securities” of any person that is a corporation means the combined voting power of that person’s
then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of that person’s directors. The term “Voting Securities”
of any person, other than a corporation, such as a partnership or limited liability company, shall mean the combined voting power of that
person’s outstanding ownership interests that are entitled to vote or select the individuals (such as the managers of a limited
liability company) that have substantially the same authority or decision-making powers with respect to such person that are generally
exercisable by directors of a corporation.

 

1.6            The
term “Common Stock” of the Company shall mean the shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per
share, and any voting securities into which such shares may be converted or exchanged in any merger, consolidation, reorganization or
recapitalization of the Company.

 

1.7            The
term “person” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 13(d) and Section 14(d) of the
Exchange Act (even if the Company has no securities registered under that Act) and, therefore, the term “person” shall include
any two or more persons acting together, whether as a partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate or other group, at least
one of the purposes of which is to acquire, hold or dispose of beneficial ownership of securities of the Company or the Subsidiary. The
term “person also shall include any natural person, any corporation, limited liability company, general or limited partnership,
joint venture, trust, estate, or unincorporated association.

 

1.8            The
term “Announcement” means the initial public announcement by the Company of an intended or anticipated Change in Control
(provided that such Change in Control actually is consummated).

 

1.9            The
term “Cause” is defined in Section 6(a) of the Employment Agreement.

 

1.10          The
term “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)            Any
person who (together with all of such person’s affiliates and associates) shall, at any time become the beneficial owner, directly
or indirectly, of more than thirty percent (30%) of the Company’s Voting Securities, except (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
(ii) any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) Ulrich E. Keller, Jr. (collectively, the “Exempt Owners”); or

 

(b)            There
shall be consummated any consolidation, merger, or reorganization (as such term is defined in the California Corporations Code), of the
Company with or into another person, or of another person with or into the Company, in which the holders of the Company’s outstanding
Voting Securities immediately prior to the consummation of such consolidation, merger or reorganization would not, immediately after such
consummation, own beneficially, directly or indirectly, (in the aggregate) at least sixty percent (60%) of the Voting Securities of (i) the
continuing or surviving person in such merger, consolidation or reorganization (whether or not that is the Company) or (ii) the ultimate
Parent, if any, of that continuing or surviving person; or

 

    -2-

     

    

 

(c)            There
shall be consummated any consolidation, merger or reorganization of the Subsidiary with or into another person, or of another person with
or into the Subsidiary, unless the persons that were the holders of the Company’s Voting Securities immediately prior to such consummation
would have, immediately after such consolidation, merger or reorganization, substantially the same proportionate direct or indirect beneficial
ownership of at least sixty (60%) of the Voting Securities of (i) the continuing or surviving person in such consolidation, merger
or reorganization (whether or not that is the Subsidiary) or, (ii) the ultimate Parent, if any, of that continuing or surviving person;
or

 

(d)            There
shall be consummated any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged
by any party as a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or of the Subsidiary; or

 

(e)            During
any period of two (2) consecutive years during the term of this Agreement, individuals who at the beginning of that two year period
constituted the entire Board of Directors do not, for any reason, constitute a majority thereof, unless the election (or the nomination
for election) by the holders of the Company’s Voting Securities, of each director who was not a member of the Board of Directors
at the beginning of that two year period was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were
directors at the beginning of the two year period.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing,
a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred within the meaning of Section 1.10(a) above solely as
the result of any acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company or any subsidiary thereof that has the effect of (i) reducing the
number of the Company’s outstanding Voting Securities, or (ii) increasing the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Voting
Securities by any person to more than thirty percent (30%) of the Company’s outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however,
that, if any such person (other than any of the Exempt Owners, as defined above) shall thereafter become the direct or indirect beneficial
owner of any additional Voting Securities of the Company (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction
or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns more than thirty
percent (30%) of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company, then, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have
occurred for purposes of this Agreement. To the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A (as defined below), a Change in
Control must also constitute a Code Section 409A “change in control event”.

 

1.11          The
term “Employer” means whichever of the Company or Subsidiary is the principal employer of Executive.

 

1.12          The
term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

 

1.13          The
term “Qualifying Termination” means (i) the termination of Executive’s employment due to either termination
by the Company or Subsidiary without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason and (ii) Executive’s last day of employment occurs
on or after the Announcement and before the first anniversary of the Change in Control.

 

    -3-

     

    

 

1.14          The
term “Vesting Date” means the later to occur of the Qualifying Termination or the Change in Control.

 

1.15          The
term “Good Reason” means the occurrence (in which the initial existence occurs on or after the Announcement) of any
one or more of the items (each a “Good Reason Event”) enumerated in subsections 1.15(a) through 1.15(f) without
the prior written consent of the Executive. Executive must give the Company written notice of the alleged Good Reason Event within 90
days of its initial existence and the Company shall then have 30 days to cure the Good Reason Event. If the Company does not timely cure
the Good Reason Event then Executive must provide the Company with written notice that he is terminating his employment for Good Reason
and resigning from all positions he is then holding with the Company and Subsidiary and such termination must occur within 45 days after
the end of the foregoing 30 day cure period.

 

(a)            Reduction
or Adverse Change of Responsibilities, Authority, Etc. The scope of Executive’s authority or responsibilities is significantly
reduced or diminished or there is a change in Executive’s position or title as an officer of the Company or the Subsidiary, or both,
that constitutes or would generally be considered to constitute a demotion of Executive, unless such reduction, diminution or change is
made as a consequence of (i) Executive’s disability (determined as provided in Section 6(e) of the Employment Agreement),
or (ii)  any acts or omissions of Executive which would entitle the Company or Subsidiary to terminate Executive’s employment
for Cause.

 

(b)            Reduction
in Base Salary. Executive's Base Annual Salary (as defined in his Employment Agreement and as in effect immediately prior to the Announcement)
is reduced, unless such reduction is made (i) as part of an across-the-board cost cutting measure that is applied equally or proportionately
to all senior executives of the Employer, or (ii) as a result of Executive’s disability (determined as provided in Section 6(e) of
the Employment Agreement), or any acts or omissions of Executive which would entitle Employer to terminate Executive’s employment
for Cause.

 

(c)            Discontinuance
or Reduction of Bonus Opportunity Under Bonus Compensation Plan. Executive's bonus and/or incentive compensation award opportunity
under any incentive or bonus compensation plan or program in which he is participating immediately prior to the Announcement is discontinued
or significantly reduced, unless such discontinuance or reduction (i) is expressly permitted under the terms of such plan or program,
or (ii) is a result of a policy of Employer applied equally or proportionately to all senior executives of Employer participating
in such plan or program, or (iii) is the result of the replacement of such plan or program with another bonus or incentive compensation
plan in which Executive is afforded substantially comparable bonus or incentive compensation opportunities.

 

(d)            Discontinuance
of Participation in Employee Benefit Plans. Executive's participation in any other benefit plan maintained by the Company or Employer
in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the Announcement (including any vacation program) is terminated or the benefits
that had been afforded under any such benefit plan are significantly reduced, unless such discontinuance or reduction (as the case may
be) is (i) expressly permitted by the terms of that plan or program, or (ii) due to a change in applicable law or the loss or
reduction in the tax deductibility to Employer of the contributions to or payments made under such plan, or (iii) the result of a
policy of Employer or the Company that is applied equally or proportionately to all senior executives participating in such benefit plan,
or (iv) the result of the adoption of one or more other benefit plans providing reasonably comparable benefits (in terms of value)
to Executive.

 

    -4-

     

    

 

(e)            Relocation.
The relocation of Executive to an office that is located more than thirty (30) miles from Executive’s principal office location
immediately prior to the Announcement or to an office that is not the headquarters office of Executive’s employer (other than for
temporary assignments or required travel in connection with the performance by Executive of his duties for Employer or the Company).

 

(f)             Breach
of Agreements. A breach by the Company or Employer of any of its material obligations to Executive under the Employment Agreement
or this Agreement which continues uncured for a period of thirty (30) days following written notice thereof from Executive.

 

2.             Term.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 5 hereof,
shall end three (3) years following the date on which notice of non-renewal or termination of this Agreement is given by either the
Company or Executive to the other. Thus, this Agreement shall renew automatically on a daily basis so that the outstanding term is always
three (3) years following any effective notice of non-renewal or of termination given by the Company or Executive, other than in
the event of a termination pursuant to Section 5 hereof.

 

3.             Requirements
to Compensation. No compensation shall be payable under this Agreement unless and until there has been both (i) a Qualifying
Termination and (ii) Executive has timely complied with the requirements of Section 6. If the foregoing requirements are each
satisfied, then Executive shall be entitled to the compensation provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, provided that he also complies
with the other terms of this Agreement, including the release agreement requirement set forth in Section 6.

 

4.             Severance
Compensation upon Qualifying Termination of Employment. Subject to Section 3 above, Executive shall be entitled to receive the
following items in this Section 4:

 

4.1            Change
in Control Severance Compensation. Subject to Section 4.4 below, in lieu of any further salary and bonus payments or severance
or other payments that would otherwise be due to Executive under the Employment Agreement, or otherwise, for periods subsequent to the
Vesting Date, Executive shall become entitled to receive the following severance compensation and benefits:

 

(a)            Employer
shall pay the Executive all amounts owed through the date of Executive’s Qualifying Termination; and

 

(b)            Employer
also shall pay to Executive, at the applicable time set forth in Section 4.2, an amount equal to the difference of (x) the product
of two (2) times the sum of (i) Executive’s Base Annual Salary in effect as of immediately before the Announcement and
(ii) an amount equal to the Maximum Bonus Award (as hereinafter defined) payable to Executive under any incentive or bonus compensation
plan in which he was participating at the time of such termination of employment, minus (y) the aggregate amount of any severance
payments that had been provided to Executive under Section 7(b) of the Employment Agreement. For purposes hereof, the term “Maximum
Bonus Award” shall mean the amount of the bonus compensation that would be paid to Executive under such incentive or bonus compensation
plan assuming that all performance goals or targets required to have been achieved as a condition of the payment of the maximum bonus
under such plan were achieved and all other conditions precedent to the payment of such bonus compensation were satisfied.

 

    -5-

     

    

 

(c)            All
options to purchase stock of the Company granted to the Executive that had not vested as of the date of such Qualifying Termination shall
vest effective upon the Vesting Date.

 

(d)            All
restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, and other forms of equity-based compensation awards granted to the Executive, which
had not vested as of the date of such Qualifying Termination, shall vest effective upon the Vesting Date.

 

(e)            The
Company or the Subsidiary shall maintain in full force and effect, during the period commencing on the date of such Qualifying Termination
and ending on the December 31 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which such termination occurred (the “Benefit
Continuation Period”), all employee medical, dental and vision plans and programs, disability plans and programs and all life insurance
programs in which the Executive and/or his family members were entitled to participate or under which they were entitled to receive benefits
immediately prior to the date of the occurrence of the Qualifying Termination, provided, however, that if such continued
participation is prohibited under the general terms and provisions of such plans and programs, then, the Company or the Subsidiary shall,
at its expense, arrange for substantially equivalent benefits to be provided to Executive and/or his family members during the Benefit
Continuation Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, there shall only be included as benefits to which Executive and/or his family
members shall be entitled under this Section 4.1(e), and Executive and/or such family members shall only be entitled to, those benefits
if the plans or programs in which Executive or his family members were participating immediately prior to the occurrence of the Qualifying
Termination were exempt from the term “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” under Section 409A of the Code.

 

Notwithstanding any other
provision in this Agreement to the contrary, under no circumstances, shall the Executive be permitted to exercise any discretion to modify
the vesting of an award or the amount, timing or form of payment or benefit described in this Section 4.1.

 

4.2            Timing
and Manner of Payment. Subject to Section 8.11, the amount that becomes payable to Executive pursuant to Section 4.1(b) above
shall be paid in a single lump sum on the first Company payroll date after 60 days after the Vesting Date.

 

4.3            No
Requirement of Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this
Section 4 by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall any compensation or other payments received by the Executive from other
persons after the date of termination reduce any payments due under this Section 4.

 

    -6-

     

    

 

4.4            Limitation.

 

(a)            Anything
in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if any compensation, payment, benefit or distribution by the Company or Subsidiary
to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise (collectively, the “Severance Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code, then, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(i)            If
the Threshold Amount (as hereinafter defined) is less than (x) the Severance Payments, but greater than (y) the Severance Payments
reduced by the-sum of (A) the Excise Tax (as defined below) and (B) the total of the Federal, state, and local income and employment
taxes on the amount of the Severance Payments which are in excess of the Threshold Amount, then the Severance Payments that would otherwise
be payable under this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the extent necessary so that the maximum Severance Payments shall
not exceed the Threshold Amount. To the extent that there is more than one method of reducing the Severance Payments to bring them within
the Threshold Amount, and provided Code Section 409A would not be violated, Executive shall determine which method shall be followed;
provided that if Executive fails to make such determination within 45 days after the Company has sent Executive written notice of the
need for such reduction, the Company may determine the amount of such reduction in its sole discretion.

 

(ii)           If,
however, the Severance Payments, reduced by the sum of (A) the Excise Tax and (B) the total of the Federal, state and local
income and employment taxes payable by Executive on the amount of the Severance Payments which are in excess of the Threshold Amount,
are greater than or equal to the Threshold Amount, there shall be no reduction in the Severance Payments to Executive pursuant to Section 4.4(a)(i) above.

 

(b)            For
the purposes of this Section 4.4, the term “Threshold Amount” shall mean three (3) times Executive's “base
amount” (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) less one dollar
($1.00); and the term “Excise Tax” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, and any interest or
penalties incurred by Executive with respect to such excise tax.

 

(c)            The
determination as to which of Section 4.4(a)(i) or 4.4(a)(ii) shall apply to Executive shall be made by Eide Bailly LLP,
independent registered public accountants, or any other independent accounting firm selected by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive
(the “Accounting Firm”), which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed by either party. Such Accounting Firm
shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within 15 business days of the date of Executive’s
Qualifying Termination, if applicable, or at such earlier time as is reasonably requested by the Company or Executive. For purposes of
determining which of the alternative provisions of Section 4.4(a)(i) or 4.4(a)(ii) shall apply, Executive shall be deemed
to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation applicable to individuals for the calendar year in
which the determination is to be made, and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of individual taxation in the state
and locality of Executive's residence on the date of the Qualifying Termination, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes
which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on the
Company and Executive.

 

4.5            Withholding.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained elsewhere in this Agreement, all payments made to Executive under this
Agreement shall be made net of all taxes and other amounts required to be withheld from the wages or salary of employees under applicable
federal, state or local laws or regulations.

 

5.            Termination
of Agreement. Notwithstanding Section 2 hereof, this Agreement shall terminate sooner as provided in this Section 5.

 

    -7-

     

    

 

5.1            Termination
of Employment Other Than for Qualifying Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the happening, at any time prior to a Qualifying
Termination, of any of the following events:

 

(a)            Executive’s
Disability or Death. This Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s
disability pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6(e) of the Employment Agreement. This Agreement also shall terminate
immediately in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment due to the death of the Executive.

 

(b)            Retirement.
This Agreement shall terminate automatically on Retirement (as hereinafter defined) of Executive. The term “Retirement” as
used in this Agreement shall mean termination by the Company or the Executive of Executive’s employment based on the Executive’s
having reached age 75 or such other age as shall have been fixed in any arrangement established with the Executive’s consent with
respect to Executive retirement.

 

(c)            Cause.
This Agreement shall terminate, if Executive’s employment with the Company or an Employer Subsidiary is terminated for Cause.

 

(d)            Termination
by Executive without Cause. This Agreement shall terminate upon any voluntary termination (without Good Reason) by Executive of his
employment with the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be.

 

In the event of a termination
of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 5.1, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained elsewhere herein,
except for any severance or other compensation to which Executive may be entitled, by reason of such termination, under the Employment
Agreement, neither the Company nor the Subsidiary shall have any liability to Executive, or Executive’s estate, heirs, successors,
representatives or assigns, due to such termination of this Agreement or by reason of any prior or subsequent Change in Control.

 

5.2            Effect
of Qualifying Termination on Term of this Agreement. In the event of a Qualifying Termination, Executive shall have no further rights
or remedies under this Agreement, except his right to receive the severance compensation set forth in Section 4 hereof attributable
to the occurrence of the Qualifying Termination. Accordingly, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall not
be entitled to receive any compensation under this Agreement in the event of the occurrence of a second Change in Control of the Company
after the date of the Executive’s Qualifying Termination.

 

6.            Release
of Claims. The obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall constitute the only obligations of the Company arising from a
Qualifying Termination. Additionally, upon any such Qualifying Termination, except for Executive’s rights and the obligations of
the Company or the Subsidiary (as the case may be) under Section 4 hereof, none of the Company, the Subsidiary or any of their affiliates
shall have any obligation or liability of any kind or nature whatsoever to Executive by reason of or arising out of his employment with
the Company or the Subsidiary or the termination thereof. Executive further agrees that, except for his rights and the obligations of
the Company or the Subsidiary (as the case may be) under Section 4 hereof, all demands, claims and causes of action that Executive
may have against, and any and all rights that Executive may have to recover any payments, damages, liabilities or other amounts of any
kind or nature whatsoever from, the Company, the Subsidiary or any of their affiliates, or any of their respective, officers, directors,
shareholders, employees, agents or independent contractors (the “Company Related Parties”), shall be forever released by Executive
as a condition precedent to Executive’s rights to receive and the obligations of the Company or Subsidiary (as the case may be)
to pay or provide to Executive the severance compensation and benefits provided for in Section 4 hereof, irrespective of whether
or not such demands, claims, causes of action or rights arise or have arisen under (i) this Agreement, the Employment Agreement,
or any other contract, agreement or understanding, written or oral, between Executive and the Company or any of the Company Related Parties,
or (ii) any employee or executive benefit plans or programs, including any stock incentive or stock based compensation plans, or
(iii) any federal, state or local statutes or government regulations, or otherwise, and whether or not such demands, claims, causes
of action or rights are known or unknown, certain or uncertain, or suspected or unsuspected by Executive. Executive further covenants
and agrees that such condition precedent shall not be satisfied unless and until he executes and delivers to the Company all appropriate
written agreements reflecting such settlement and complete release in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company and where such release
becomes effective and non-revocable by its own terms within 55 days after the Qualifying Termination.

 

    -8-

     

    

 

7.            Arbitration
of Disputes. Except as otherwise provided in the last sentence of this Section 7 with respect to equitable proceedings and remedies,
any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the performance or non-performance (actual or alleged) by either
party of any of such party's respective obligations hereunder or any actual or alleged breach thereof, shall, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in any forum and form agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such an
agreement, under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in Orange County, California in accordance with
the Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures of the AAA, including, but not limited to, the rules and procedures
applicable to the selection of arbitrators. In the event that any person, other than Executive or the Company, may be a party with regard
to any such controversy or claim, such controversy or claim shall be submitted to arbitration subject to such other person’s agreement
thereto. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator in any such arbitration proceeding may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. This Section 7 shall be specifically enforceable. The reasonable fees and disbursements of the prevailing party's legal
counsel, accountants and experts incurred in connection with any such arbitration proceeding shall be paid by the non-prevailing party
in such arbitration proceeding. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained in this Section 7, however, each party
shall be entitled to bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining a temporary restraining order
or a preliminary or permanent injunction or other equitable remedies in circumstances in which such relief is appropriate.

 

8.            Miscellaneous.

 

8.1            Entire
Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes
all prior agreements (including without limitation the Prior Agreement) and understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties
with respect to that subject matter.

 

    -9-

     

    

 

8.2            Assignment;
Successors and Assigns, etc. Neither party may make any assignment, in whole or in part, of this Agreement or any interest herein,
by operation of law or otherwise, or delegate any of their respective duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other
party; except that in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement
may be assigned to the successor-in-interest of the Company in such Change in Control without the consent of Executive, provided that
(i) such successor-in-interest enters into a written agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to Executive, by which such successor-in-interest
shall expressly agree to be bound by this Agreement and (ii) no such assignment shall relieve the Company of its obligations under
this Agreement. Subject to the foregoing restrictions on assignment, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
and shall be binding on the parties and their respective successors, legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, devisees
and legatees, and permitted assigns. If Executive should die while any amounts are still payable to him/her pursuant to Section 4
hereof, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s
devisee, legatee, or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

 

8.3            Severability.
If any portion or provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any portion or provision of any section of this Agreement)
shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or
the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable,
shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted
by law.

 

8.4            Waiver.
No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party
to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any party of any right or obligation under or
breach of this Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term, right or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any
prior or subsequent breach of the same obligation.

 

8.5            Notices.
Any notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement (“Notices”) shall be sufficient if
in writing and delivered in person or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service or by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, to Executive at the last address Executive has filed in writing with Employer or, in the case of any
Notice to be given to the Company or the Employer (if other than the Company), at its headquarters offices, attention of the Chief Executive
Officer, and shall be effective on the date of delivery in person or by courier or two (2) business days after the date such Notice
is mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested (whether or not the requested receipt is returned).

 

8.6            Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by the Executive and by a duly authorized officer or other
representative of the Company (other than Executive).

 

8.7            Interpretation
and Construction of this Agreement. This Agreement is the result of arms-length bargaining by the parties, each party was represented
by legal counsel of such party's choosing in connection with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and no provision of this Agreement
shall be construed against a party, due to an ambiguity therein or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such provision may have been
drafted by counsel for such party. For purposes of this Agreement: (i) the term “including” shall mean “including
without limitation” or “including but not limited to”; (iv) the term “or” shall not be deemed
to be exclusive; and (v) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereunder,”
and “hereto,” and any similar terms shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to the particular Section, paragraph
or clause in which any such term is used, unless the context in which any such term is used clearly indicates otherwise.

 

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8.8            Governing
Law. This Agreement is being entered into and will be performed in the State of California and shall be construed under and be governed
in all respects by and enforced under the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to its conflict of laws rules or
principles.

 

8.9            Headings.
The Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect, nor shall
be considered in connection with, the construction or application of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

8.10          Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such executed counterpart, and any photocopy or facsimile copy
thereof, shall constitute an original of this Agreement; but all such executed counterparts and photocopies and facsimile copies thereof
shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument.

 

8.11          Code
Section 409A. The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A
of the Code and the Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and
all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under
Code Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed
on Executive under Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A. A termination of employment
shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits
considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment
unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes
of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms
shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee”
within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit
that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,”
such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period
measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death
(the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Subsection
8.11 shall be paid (without interest) on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump sum
and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates
specified for them herein. For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant
to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement
specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the
date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of Company.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left
blank.

Signatures of parties follow on next page.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties
have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

	“Company”	“Executive”

 

First Foundation Inc.

 

	By:	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 	/s/ Chris Naghibi
	Name:	Scott F. Kavanaugh	 	Name:	Chris Naghibi
	Title:	CEO	 	 	 

 

“Subsidiary”

 

First Foundation Bank

 

	By:  	/s/ Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	Name:	Scott F. Kavanaugh	 
	Title:	CEO	 

 

    -12-

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