Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and attorney who built two careers in vastly different fields. Born March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, he gained recognition as lead vocalist of indie rock band Ghost Lion before transitioning to family law. While many know him as actress Emily Wickersham’s ex-husband, his story runs deeper—musician turned lawyer, father, and creative force who proved you can start over and succeed.
Early Life: Athletic Roots Meet Creative Spirit
Blake’s father, Daniel Hanley, played for the Essendon Football Club in Australia’s Victorian Football League before moving into business. His mother, Denise Hanley, worked as a school teacher. This mix of athletic discipline and artistic encouragement shaped Blake’s dual interests from childhood.
Growing up in Palm Beach, Blake described the city as “seemingly diverse but segregated—like we were all in these bubbles”. That early observation would later influence his music’s inclusive themes.
Musical Journey: The Birth of Ghost Lion
Blake’s musical path started with classical guitar, inspired by Buena Vista Social Club, then shifted to Nine Inch Nails. He began asking himself what middle ground existed between those extremes.
The answer became Ghost Lion.
Ghost Lion blends indie, calypso, cumbia, and electronic music into what Blake calls “subtropical world-pop”. The band originally performed as Kin Cayo before evolving into its current form. Ghost Lion consists of Blake Hanley on vocals and guitar, Enrique Lara on drums and congas, Mike Torres on bass, and Chris Kapica on keys and synths.
Notable Songs and Impact
“Shot the Sun Down,” released in November 2016, explores themes of breaking through barriers and fighting for justice. The track became an anthem about hope winning over darkness.
Other standout tracks include “Sinking Stones,” “Wrong Guy,” “Broken Glass,” and “Running Back to You”. Blake describes “Sinking Stones” as “a last-ditch prayer in song” written when everything felt like it was falling apart.
The name “Ghost Lion” came from friends calling Blake “Ghost” because he would disappear in shadows. He added “Lion” to represent the courage he wished he had to be known and loved.
Education: From Communication to Courtroom
Blake started at Palm Beach State College before earning a degree in Communication and Media Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University. His interest in protecting creative work led him to law school.
He graduated from Southwestern University School of Law in 2016 and was admitted to the Florida Bar on May 23, 2018. During law school, he served as Vice President of the Music Law Society—a role that bridged his two passions.
Legal Career: Helping Families Through Crisis
Blake works as an associate attorney at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, focusing on real property, probate, and trust law. He also handles domestic violence cases.
The transition from musician to attorney wasn’t easy. After performing at South Florida’s SunFest in May 2019, Blake told a CBS affiliate: “It’s been a year with all I’ve been through… it’s been a trip”. He was referring to both his divorce and career change.
His legal work reflects the empathy present in his music. Whether defending families in court or writing lyrics about human struggle, Blake’s approach centers on understanding people’s pain.
Marriage to Emily Wickersham
Blake married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Blake’s brother Drew Hanley officiated the wedding, attended by around 150 guests. The reception took place at the Bath & Tennis Club.
Emily Wickersham played Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on CBS’s NCIS from 2013 to 2021. Her rising fame brought media attention to their relationship, but both preferred privacy.
The couple divorced in December 2018 after eight years of marriage. Neither publicly discussed the reasons for their separation. They had no children together.
After the divorce, Blake returned to Florida following a decade in Los Angeles. He said: “Coming home after such a long time, it felt odd. I had gone through a lot of heartbreak”.
New Beginning: Mumbi O’Brien and Fatherhood
Blake found love again with Mumbi O’Brien, a visual artist and costume designer. Mumbi holds a Master’s degree in Costume Design from UCLA. Their shared love of creativity brought them together.
The couple welcomed daughter Muoni on May 2, 2020. Her name means “peace,” reflecting the joy she brought to their lives.
In an Instagram post, Blake revealed that Mumbi discovered she was pregnant just before traveling to Los Angeles for her master’s degree, and their daughter was born during the pandemic.
Blake regularly shares family moments on Instagram (@blakehansolo), giving glimpses into his life as a father, musician, and attorney. The posts show beach trips, studio sessions, and quiet family time.
Current Life: Balancing Three Roles
Blake now splits his time between music, law, and fatherhood. He continues performing with Ghost Lion while maintaining his legal practice. His work at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County allows him to serve families who can’t afford private attorneys.
As of 2018, Blake has no disciplinary history with the Florida Bar. His professional standing remains solid.
The music hasn’t stopped. Ghost Lion’s album “Nuclear Island” was released in 2022, featuring tracks that blend the band’s signature subtropical sound. Blake continues writing songs that explore themes of hope, isolation, and connection.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. His income comes from multiple sources: music royalties, live performances, and his legal salary.
In comparison, Emily Wickersham’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. Blake’s wealth reflects steady, balanced growth rather than flashy success. He prioritized meaningful work over maximum earnings.
What Makes Blake’s Story Different
Most people pivot careers once. Blake did it while maintaining both. He performs at music venues and argues cases in court. He writes songs about pain and helps clients navigate divorce.
His approach to fame differs from that of typical celebrities. Blake avoids excessive social media presence and rarely gives interviews. He doesn’t share his fellow artists’ enthusiasm for social media, preferring to let his work speak.
The thread connecting everything? Authenticity. Whether singing about heartbreak or defending domestic violence victims, Blake brings genuine emotion to his work.
Lessons from Blake’s Journey
- You can reinvent yourself at any age. Blake entered law school in his 30s and built a successful practice.
- Creative and analytical minds can coexist. Music and law seem opposite, but both require problem-solving and empathy.
- Privacy matters more than publicity. Blake kept his personal life private even during a high-profile marriage and divorce.
- Heartbreak can fuel growth. His divorce led him back to Florida, deeper into music, and eventually to a happy second marriage.
Final Thoughts
Blake Anderson Hanley proves that linear career paths are optional. You don’t have to choose between art and stability, passion and practicality. You can be a musician who understands contract law. An attorney who writes songs about hope. A former spouse who handles divorce with grace. A father who balances courthouse appearances with bedtime stories.
His story matters because it’s real. No overnight success. No viral moment. Just consistent work across two demanding fields, a commitment to helping others, and the courage to start fresh after heartbreak.
Whether he’s on stage with Ghost Lion or representing clients at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Blake Anderson Hanley demonstrates that your past doesn’t limit your future—it enriches it.