Meet Blake Anderson Hanley: Emily Wickersham’s Ex-Husband, Music Career, and Legal Journey

Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician turned attorney whose rare combination of artistic passion and legal dedication has made him a fascinating public figure. Known first as the soulful lead vocalist of the indie rock band Ghost Lion, Hanley later surprised many by pursuing a successful career in law, specializing in family and divorce cases. His journey from recording studios and concert stages to courtrooms and legal offices is a story of transformation, resilience, and purpose.

Through this article, readers will explore how Blake Anderson Hanley evolved from a creative performer into a compassionate legal professional, balancing two very different worlds while staying true to his artistic roots and human values.

Quick Bio: Blake Anderson Hanley

Early Life and Family Background

Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, into a family that blended American warmth with Australian grit. His father, Daniel Hanley, once played for the Essendon Football Club in Australia’s Victorian Football League, while his mother, Denise Hanley, was a schoolteacher who cultivated Blake’s curiosity for literature and the arts.

Growing up alongside his brother Drew in a nurturing and culturally rich household, Blake absorbed both athletic discipline and creative imagination. Those early influences, combined with the relaxed coastal rhythm of Palm Beach life, shaped his empathy, his love of music, and the open-minded outlook that would later guide him through two demanding careers.

Education and Academic Path

Blake Anderson Hanley’s education reflects both curiosity and ambition. After finishing school in Palm Beach, he attended Palm Beach State College before earning a degree in Communication and Media Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University. His interest in how people connect through words and art prepared him for future creative work in music. Determined to grow further, he moved to Los Angeles to attend Southwestern Law School, where he served as Vice President of the Music Law Society.

There, Hanley began bridging the gap between artistic creativity and legal reasoning, learning how both disciplines rely on empathy, structure, and communication—a foundation that would later allow him to thrive as both musician and attorney.

Music Career

Blake Anderson Hanley’s journey into the music world began with the formation of his band Ghost Lion, which started as a creative collaboration with guitarist Enrique Lara and evolved into a full-fledged indie rock group featuring musicians like Chris Kapica and Mike Torres. The band’s sound fused indie rock, pop, and world music influences, capturing themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. In 2016, Ghost Lion released its debut EP, Dim Echo, featuring tracks such as “Broken Glass,” “Wolves,” and “Way Up,” which quickly gained critical praise for their lyrical depth and energetic tone.

Hanley’s emotive voice and introspective songwriting drew listeners into stories of vulnerability and hope. His performances were known for their authenticity and ability to connect with audiences, while Ghost Lion’s music became a symbol of creative sincerity within the indie scene. Though the band never sought mainstream fame, their artistry and heartfelt storytelling earned them loyal fans and solidified Hanley’s place as a respected figure in independent music.

Transition from Music to Law

After several years in the music industry, Blake Anderson Hanley chose to pursue a new challenge—law. The transition, beginning around 2015, was inspired by his desire for stability and a deeper way to help others. He began his legal career as a law clerk at the Inner City Law Center in Los Angeles, where he assisted underserved communities with housing and family issues. His empathy and determination quickly set him apart, leading him to roles at Fine Law PC and later the Bruce Law Firm.

Specializing in family and divorce law, Hanley found purpose in guiding clients through emotionally charged legal matters. His creative background gave him a unique sensitivity toward the human side of legal practice, and his communication skills from years as a performer translated seamlessly into advocacy and negotiation. By combining artistic empathy with legal rigor, Hanley built a reputation as a compassionate yet capable attorney dedicated to justice and personal growth.

Blake Anderson Hanley on Social Media

Blake Anderson Hanley stays active on Instagram, where he shares moments from his personal and professional life under the username @blakehansolo. His posts often include pictures of his wife, Mumbi O’Brien, their daughter Muoni, and glimpses of his work as both a musician and a family attorney. Blake’s online presence feels real and down-to-earth, showing his love for family, creativity, and helping others. Unlike many public figures, he keeps his social media positive and private, focusing on genuine moments rather than fame. This balance has earned him respect from fans who admire his honesty, kindness, and simple approach to life.

Net Worth and Financial Success

Blake Anderson Hanley’s financial success reflects his steady progress in two demanding industries. As of 2025, his estimated net worth ranges between $800,000 and $1.5 million, combining earnings from his music career—including performances, songwriting royalties, and album sales—with his legal practice as a family and divorce attorney. While more modest compared to the multimillion-dollar net worth of his ex-wife, Emily Wickersham, Hanley’s financial standing showcases his independence and balanced approach to career building. His wealth is the result of hard work, adaptability, and the ability to turn creativity into sustainable success, illustrating how diverse passions can lead to financial and personal fulfillment.

Challenges and Turning Points

Blake Anderson Hanley’s journey has not been without challenges. Transitioning from the music world to the legal field required immense discipline and reinvention, as he faced skepticism from both industries about his unconventional path. His marriage to Emily Wickersham also brought a degree of public attention that tested his desire for privacy. Yet, through these trials, Hanley demonstrated resilience and focus, maintaining integrity and emotional maturity.

He transformed doubt into motivation, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. His story stands as an example of how persistence, purpose, and adaptability can overcome uncertainty and external pressure, turning personal and professional challenges into stepping stones for growth.

Current Projects and Future Goals

Today, Blake Anderson Hanley continues to balance his legal career with his enduring love for music. He remains active in legal advocacy for artists, using his knowledge of both creative and legal systems to help musicians navigate intellectual property and contractual challenges. Hanley has also hinted at potential new music projects that reflect his personal growth and life experiences, possibly signaling a return to songwriting and production in the near future.

Professionally, he aims to expand his family law practice and continue supporting clients facing complex emotional and legal situations. His current work underscores a life dedicated to both service and self-expression, bridging the gap between creativity and compassion.

Legacy and Public Perception

Blake Anderson Hanley’s legacy is one of transformation, integrity, and balance. Though often recognized as Emily Wickersham’s former husband, his own accomplishments as a musician and attorney stand as testaments to his individuality and drive. Publicly, he is admired for his humility and authenticity—qualities that have kept him grounded despite media interest in his private life. His story inspires admiration for its quiet strength and courage, showing that success is not limited to one path. By blending passion with professionalism, Hanley represents a modern archetype of versatility: a man who has proven that art, intellect, and empathy can coexist harmoniously in a single, meaningful life.

Conclusion

Blake Anderson Hanley’s life is a portrait of balance, courage, and creativity. From his early years in Palm Beach to his rise as an indie musician and his later success as a respected attorney, Hanley has embraced change with grace and purpose.

His journey shows that following multiple passions can lead not to confusion but to fulfillment when guided by authenticity and heart. Whether through the emotional honesty of his music or the compassion of his legal work, he continues to make a meaningful impact. Blake Anderson Hanley’s story reminds us that reinvention is always possible, and that true success lies in living a life that reflects both passion and integrity.

FAQs About Blake Anderson Hanley

1. Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and family attorney, best known as the former husband of NCIS actress Emily Wickersham.

2. What band was Blake Anderson Hanley in?
He was the lead singer of the indie rock band Ghost Lion, known for its emotional and creative music style.

3. What does Blake Anderson Hanley do now?
Blake now works as a family and divorce attorney at the Bruce Law Firm, helping clients with family and domestic cases.

4. When was Blake Anderson Hanley born?
He was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, USA.

5. Who is Blake Anderson Hanley married to now?
Blake is married to Mumbi O’Brien, a talented visual artist and costume designer.

6. Does Blake Anderson Hanley have children?
Yes, Blake has one daughter named Muoni, born in May 2020, with his wife Mumbi O’Brien.

7. What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1.5 million, earned from his careers in music and law.

8. Is Blake Anderson Hanley related to Emily Wickersham?
Blake was previously married to Emily Wickersham from 2010 to 2018, but they are now divorced and have both moved on with their lives.