Blake Anderson Hanley has lived a life marked by bold transitions and diverse achievements. Best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Ghost Lion, Hanley has since shifted his focus to the legal world, making a name for himself as a family law attorney. His journey, defined by creativity, resilience, and empathy, has seen him navigate the entertainment industry, high-profile personal relationships, and a legal career that reflects his passion for helping others. This article explores Blake Anderson Hanley’s life, detailing his early years, rise to fame, career transitions, personal challenges, and financial ups and downs.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, Blake Anderson Hanley grew up in a family that nurtured creativity and cultural exploration. His father, Daniel Hanley, briefly played for the Essendon team in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in Australia, while his mother, Denise Hanley, was a school teacher who encouraged a love for literature and the arts. Growing up with his brother, Drew Hanley, Blake’s formative years were filled with music, sports, and intellectual curiosity.
Blake’s education journey took him to Palm Beach State College, where he started his higher education, before transferring to Palm Beach Atlantic University to earn a degree in Communication and Media Studies. His early interest in media paved the way for his eventual entry into the world of music. However, his academic pursuits didn’t stop there. Hanley later moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued legal studies at Southwestern Law School, combining his love for music with a growing interest in the legal field.
Rise to Fame: The Music Career of Ghost Lion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s musical career took off when he formed the indie rock band Ghost Lion in New York. As the band’s frontman, Hanley brought a distinct energy to their performances, quickly gaining recognition for their unique sound. Ghost Lion’s music, an eclectic mix of indie rock and pop, was noted for its emotionally honest lyrics that touched on themes like loneliness, personal growth, and joy. Their debut album was critically acclaimed, praised for its fresh approach and raw vulnerability.
Ghost Lion’s success wasn’t limited to their studio recordings. The band became known for their live performances, where Hanley’s passion for music was on full display. Their concerts were high-energy events that left audiences captivated. Despite not reaching the mainstream heights of some other indie bands, Ghost Lion carved out a dedicated fan base and became a notable name in the indie music scene.
A Shift in Career: From Music to Law
After several years of performing and producing music, Hanley made the bold decision to shift his focus to a more stable career. Having developed an interest in legal matters while navigating the complexities of the music industry, Hanley decided to pursue law as a way to help others, particularly those in vulnerable situations. He graduated from Southwestern Law School and began his legal career as a law clerk at the Inner City Law Center in Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal services to the homeless and working poor.
Hanley eventually joined the Bruce Law Firm, where he currently practices family law. Specializing in divorce and domestic violence cases, Hanley’s empathetic approach to his clients has earned him respect within the legal community. His legal work allows him to directly impact people’s lives, offering guidance and support during some of their most challenging moments. Hanley’s transition from music to law is a testament to his adaptability and desire to make a positive difference in the world.
Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Second Chances
Blake Anderson Hanley’s personal life has been marked by both joy and heartache, much of it played out in the public eye due to his relationship with actress Emily Wickersham, best known for her role as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on the hit television show NCIS. The couple married on November 23, 2010, in a private ceremony on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, attended by 150 close friends and family members. Despite their love and shared passions, Hanley and Wickersham’s marriage ended in 2018, after eight years together. The reasons for their split were kept private, a decision that reflected the couple’s desire for discretion.
Following his divorce, Hanley found love again with visual artist Mumbi O’Brien, whom he married in a private ceremony. Their relationship, which began in 2019, flourished as they shared a deep connection through art and culture. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Muoni, in May 2020, marking a new chapter in Hanley’s life as both a husband and father. Hanley’s ability to rebuild and find happiness after a difficult breakup speaks to his resilience and optimistic outlook on life.
Income and Financial Success
Blake Anderson Hanley’s financial success stems from his dual careers in music and law. As the frontman of Ghost Lion, Hanley enjoyed considerable success, earning income through album sales, live performances, and possibly royalties from his work. Though indie rock bands often face financial uncertainty, Ghost Lion’s loyal fan base and critical acclaim allowed Hanley to make a comfortable living during his time in the music industry.
His transition to law has provided a more stable and lucrative income. Family law, particularly divorce and domestic violence cases, is a demanding field, but Hanley’s commitment to his clients has helped him build a successful practice. His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, a reflection of his hard work and adaptability in two very different careers.
Financial Challenges and Public Scrutiny
Like many public figures, Hanley has faced challenges, including navigating a high-profile marriage and divorce. His split from Emily Wickersham was covered extensively by the media, though both parties maintained a respectful silence about the details of their breakup. Despite the scrutiny, Hanley has managed to keep his personal life relatively private, focusing on his work and family.
While his music career provided him with creative fulfillment, it was not without financial challenges. Indie bands often struggle to achieve financial security, and Hanley likely experienced the ups and downs of the industry. His decision to pursue law was, in part, motivated by a desire for more stability, both financially and professionally.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Blake Anderson Hanley’s career continues to evolve. In addition to his work as a family law attorney, Hanley remains connected to the music industry, often providing legal advice to artists navigating the complexities of music law. His passion for both music and law allows him to bridge the gap between these two worlds, helping fellow creatives protect their intellectual property and navigate contract negotiations.
Looking ahead, Hanley plans to expand his legal practice while continuing to explore new creative ventures. Whether through music or law, Hanley’s drive to make a positive impact on the world remains at the core of everything he does.
Conclusion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s journey from indie rock frontman to family law attorney is a story of resilience, adaptability, and passion. His ability to navigate the worlds of music and law with equal success demonstrates his multifaceted talent and commitment to helping others. As Hanley continues to evolve both personally and professionally, his life serves as an inspiration to those who dream of pursuing multiple passions and finding success across diverse fields.
