Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and family law attorney born March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida. He fronts the indie rock band Ghost Lion and specializes in divorce and domestic violence cases. He was married to NCIS actress Emily Wickersham from 2010 to 2018 and now has a daughter with wife Mumbi O’Brien.
Blake Anderson Hanley stands out as one of the few professionals successfully balancing two demanding careers. The lead vocalist of indie rock band Ghost Lion also works as a family law attorney specializing in divorce and domestic violence cases. While many know him as the ex-husband of NCIS actress Emily Wickersham, his individual accomplishments in music and law paint a compelling picture of determination and versatility.
Born March 2, 1984, Blake has spent the past decade building parallel careers that rarely intersect yet somehow complement each other. His journey from South Florida music stages to courtroom advocacy demonstrates that passion and practicality can coexist.
Early Life and Family Roots
Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida. His father, Daniel Hanley, played Australian rules football for the Essendon Football Club in the Victorian Football League, giving Blake a blend of American and Australian heritage. His mother, Denise, worked as a school teacher and nurtured his early interest in arts and literature.
Growing up in Palm Beach during the 1990s, Blake witnessed a diverse but segregated community. Different cultural groups existed in parallel without much interaction. This experience shaped his later artistic vision of creating music that bridges cultural divides.
Blake’s brother, Drew Hanley, played a significant role in his life. Drew would later officiate Blake’s wedding to Emily Wickersham in 2010. The family provided a supportive environment that encouraged Blake to pursue creative interests while maintaining academic focus.
The Hanley household valued both athletic discipline from Daniel’s sports background and intellectual curiosity from Denise’s teaching career. These dual influences prepared Blake for his eventual path of balancing artistic expression with professional responsibility.
Education Path
Blake began his higher education at Palm Beach State College before transferring to Palm Beach Atlantic University. There he earned a degree in Communication and Media Studies, building skills that would serve both his music and legal careers. Strong communication abilities help songwriters connect with audiences and attorneys persuade judges.
After several years performing with Ghost Lion in New York and Los Angeles, Blake decided to pursue law. He enrolled at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, where his background in music found an outlet through the Music Law Society. Blake served as Vice President of the organization, helping fellow students understand copyright, contract, and intellectual property issues affecting musicians.
This educational path reveals strategic thinking. Rather than abandoning music for law, Blake positioned himself to serve both communities. His law degree opened doors to family law practice while his Music Law Society role kept him connected to the industry he loved.
The transition from creative studies to legal training required significant adjustment. Law school demands analytical rigor and procedural mastery quite different from artistic expression. Blake managed both worlds by viewing law as another form of storytelling, just with different stakes and structures.
Ghost Lion and Music Career
Blake’s musical journey began with classical guitar, inspired by the Buena Vista Social Club album. His taste quickly expanded to Nine Inch Nails, creating a tension between acoustic tradition and industrial edge. He wondered what middle ground might sound like between these extremes.
In 2016, Blake co-founded Kin Cayo with Bolivian drummer Enrique Lara. The project soon evolved into Ghost Lion after keyboardist Chris Kapica and bassist Mike Torres joined. The expanded lineup allowed more complex arrangements that blended indie rock with calypso, cumbia, and South American folk traditions.
Ghost Lion released its debut EP “Dim Echo” in November 2016. The five-track collection included “Broken Glass,” “Way Up,” and “Wolves.” Music publications praised the band’s “tropical post-punk” sound and emotionally resonant lyrics. Blake’s songwriting addressed themes of anxiety, faith, loneliness, and the search for meaning.
Before forming Ghost Lion, Blake won a Live Nation Battle of the Bands contest for company employees worldwide. The victory earned him a performance slot at Los Angeles’s House of Blues and a $35,000 prize, which he used to purchase recording equipment. The win led to showcases for Republic/Universal and Vanguard Records, though deals never materialized.
In 2017, Ghost Lion released “Ballad of St. Panama,” a four-track EP that further developed their signature sound. The following year brought their full-length album “Nuclear Island,” which Blake describes as representing diverse cultures coexisting harmoniously. Songs like “Shot the Sun Down” became anthems about breaking barriers and fighting for justice.
Musical Style and Influences
Ghost Lion’s music defies easy categorization. Blake intentionally mixes seemingly incompatible elements: the acoustic warmth of Cuban son with the aggression of industrial rock, carnival rhythms with punk attitude. Punk bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols influenced not just his sound but his conviction that music should carry social commentary.
The band name itself reflects Blake’s personal journey. Friends called him “Ghost” because of his tendency to disappear into shadows at social events. He added “Lion” to represent courage he aspired to possess. This tension between his shy nature and desire for connection drives much of his songwriting.
Blake’s vocal style remains conversational rather than theatrical. He sings about real struggles without artifice or exaggeration. This authenticity helped Ghost Lion build a devoted following even without mainstream commercial success.
Legal Career and Professional Growth
In 2015, while Ghost Lion was gaining momentum, Blake began studying law. He started as a Law Clerk at the Inner City Law Center in Los Angeles, providing legal assistance to vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. The work exposed him to systemic injustices that resonated with themes in his music.
Blake then worked at Fine Law PC and completed an externship at BMG, combining his music industry knowledge with legal expertise. However, he found his true calling in family law. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County hired him to focus on domestic violence cases, helping low-income residents access the judicial system.
Since June 2023, Blake has worked as a family and divorce attorney at the Bruce Law Firm. He handles marriage dissolution, child custody disputes, and protection orders for abuse victims. His clients often face their most difficult life moments, and Blake brings both legal skill and genuine empathy to their cases.
The legal career provides stability that music rarely offers. Steady income from his practice allows Blake to pursue Ghost Lion projects without commercial pressure. He can write songs that matter to him rather than chasing trends or radio play.
Blake’s law work also informs his music. Witnessing families in crisis deepens his understanding of human vulnerability and resilience. These experiences add weight and authenticity to songs about struggle and hope.
Marriage to Emily Wickersham
Blake married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in an intimate ceremony on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. His brother Drew officiated the wedding before approximately 150 family members and close friends. The private event reflected both individuals’ preference for keeping personal matters away from media attention.
Emily, born April 26, 1984, in Kansas, had appeared in films like “Gone” and “I Am Number Four” before landing her breakthrough role. In 2013, she joined the cast of “NCIS” as NSA Analyst Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop, eventually becoming a series regular. Her character replaced Israeli agent Ziva David and quickly became a fan favorite.
During their eight-year marriage, Blake and Emily supported each other’s careers while maintaining separate professional identities. Blake continued building Ghost Lion and pursuing legal education. Emily filmed nearly 172 episodes of “NCIS” between 2013 and 2021, establishing herself as one of the show’s core cast members.
The couple divorced in December 2018. Neither Blake nor Emily publicly discussed reasons for the separation, choosing privacy over explanation. Their mature handling of the split demonstrated mutual respect despite the relationship ending.
Emily left “NCIS” in 2021 and began a relationship with actor James Badge Dale. They had their first child, Cassius Wickersham Dale, in December 2021, married in September 2024, and welcomed their second child in October 2024.
Life After Divorce
Blake found love again with Mumbi O’Brien. The couple married in 2019 and welcomed daughter Muoni on May 3, 2020. Blake frequently shares photos of his daughter and wife on Instagram under the handle @blakehansolo, giving followers glimpses into his family life.
His social media presents a man comfortable balancing multiple identities: devoted father, working attorney, performing musician. Posts alternate between studio sessions with Ghost Lion, professional legal achievements, and everyday moments with Muoni. This authenticity has helped Blake maintain connection with fans while protecting his family’s privacy.
Blake currently resides in the Palm Beach area, close to his legal practice and family roots. The location allows him to serve the community where he grew up while staying connected to South Florida’s music scene. Ghost Lion continues performing at regional venues and releasing new material periodically.
The demands of fatherhood, legal practice, and music require careful time management. Blake prioritizes family first, then client obligations, with music filling available creative spaces. This hierarchy ensures stability while preserving his artistic outlet.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Blake Anderson Hanley has built financial stability through his dual career approach. His estimated net worth ranges between $800,000 and $1.5 million as of 2025.
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| Music Career (Ghost Lion) | $300,000-$500,000 | 2016-present |
| Legal Practice | $500,000-$1,000,000 | 2015-present |
| Total Net Worth | $800,000-$1.5 million | Current |
| Notable Asset | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC | Owned |
Blake’s net worth appears modest compared to his ex-wife Emily Wickersham’s estimated $6 million. However, his financial position reflects deliberate choices rather than career failure. Family law attorneys in Florida typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually depending on experience and firm size. Blake’s decade in practice places him toward the higher end of this range.
Ghost Lion income comes from album sales, streaming royalties, live performances, and merchandise. Indie bands rarely generate massive wealth, but consistent regional popularity and a devoted fan base provide supplementary income. Blake’s $35,000 Live Nation prize and recording equipment investments show strategic financial planning within the music industry.
The 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC represents Blake’s appreciation for classic design. The vehicle, valued between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on condition, shows taste for quality over ostentation.
Blake’s financial approach prioritizes stability and independence. His legal income covers family expenses while music provides creative fulfillment and additional revenue. This balance allows him to avoid compromising either passion for financial reasons.
The Dual Career Balance
Few professionals successfully maintain two demanding careers simultaneously. Blake manages this by viewing music and law as complementary rather than competing. Both involve storytelling, persuasion, and connecting with people during vulnerable moments.
His decision to pursue law came after record label showcases failed to produce deals. Rather than viewing this as defeat, Blake saw an opportunity to create positive change through a different medium. Legal aid work allowed him to help people facing crises, much like his songs aimed to comfort listeners struggling with anxiety or loneliness.
Blake continues advocating for musicians’ legal rights, combining both careers. He advises fellow artists on contract negotiations, copyright issues, and fair compensation. This niche allows him to serve the music community while building his legal expertise.
Future plans include expanding his family law practice and potentially returning to more active music production. Blake has hinted at new Ghost Lion material reflecting his personal growth and experiences as a father. The band’s hiatus during his daughter’s early years may end as she grows older.
Blake’s story challenges the cultural pressure to choose a single career path. His dual success proves that dedication and strategic planning can support multiple passions simultaneously. For young professionals torn between creative and practical careers, Blake’s example offers a roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and family law attorney. He leads the indie rock band Ghost Lion and practices divorce law at the Bruce Law Firm in Florida.
What band does Blake Hanley perform in?
Blake is the lead vocalist and guitarist for Ghost Lion, an indie rock band blending calypso, cumbia, and electronic elements with socially conscious lyrics.
When did Blake Hanley and Emily Wickersham divorce?
Blake and Emily Wickersham divorced in December 2018 after eight years of marriage. They wed on November 23, 2010, in the Florida Keys.
Does Blake Anderson Hanley have children?
Yes, Blake has one daughter named Muoni, born May 3, 2020, with his wife Mumbi O’Brien, whom he married in 2019.
What is Blake Hanley’s estimated net worth?
Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth is estimated between $800,000 and $1.5 million, earned through his music career and legal practice as a family law attorney.
For more stories about creative professionals who defy conventional career paths and the people behind entertainment headlines, visit us at Earlymagazine, where we explore the real journeys of musicians, attorneys, and artists who prove you don’t have to choose between passion and stability. Blake Anderson Hanley’s story reminds us that success looks different for everyone, and the courage to pursue multiple dreams can lead to a life of greater meaning and impact.
