This article moves beyond the headlines to tell his complete story. Drawing from his own words and in-depth research, we explore the philosophy behind his music, the mission driving his legal work, and the personal journey of a man who embodies both the Ghost and the Lion.
Who is Blake Anderson Hanley? A Snapshot
For those seeking a quick overview, Blake Anderson Hanley is a multifaceted individual who has built a career in both the arts and law. He is a musician, songwriter, and the frontman for the band Ghost Lion, as well as a practicing family law attorney in Florida.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Profession | Musician, Family Law Attorney |
| Born | March 2, 1984 — Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Education | Palm Beach Atlantic University; Southwestern Law School |
| Known For | Lead vocalist of Ghost Lion; former husband of actress Emily Wickersham |
| Legal Credential | Member in Good Standing, The Florida Bar (Bar #1008828) |
| Spouse | Mumbi O’Brien |
| Children | One daughter, Muoni (born May 2020) |
The Artist: Ghost Lion’s Music and Philosophy
Blake Hanley’s artistic identity is channeled through his band, Ghost Lion. Their sound is described as “subtropical world-pop” — a unique blend that reflects the diverse, yet segregated, culture of his West Palm Beach upbringing. The music aims to create a space where different cultures can harmoniously coexist, breaking down the divisions he observed growing up.
Inspired by the unlikely combination of the Buena Vista Social Club and Nine Inch Nails, Hanley sought a middle ground between the two extremes. This resulted in a deft and darkly cathartic melding of indie, pop, calypso, cumbia, and electronic music. Ghost Lion’s songs feature nylon-string acoustic guitar, distorted bass synths, and global rhythms — creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply personal.
The name “Ghost Lion” itself is a reflection of Hanley’s personal journey. Friends called him “Ghost” because of his shy, reserved nature. He added “Lion” to represent the courage he aspired to have — the courage to be known and loved. The name encapsulates the tension between the shadow self and the true self, a theme that runs through much of his work.
This philosophy is evident in Ghost Lion’s debut album, Nuclear Island. The album explores themes of heartbreak, spiritual searching, and identity. Tracks like the electro-dream-pop “Sinking Stones” serve as a prayer for hope in a world falling apart, while the stripped-down “6th Wave” explores the profound isolation amplified by the pandemic. Hanley’s journey into music was significantly boosted when he won a Live Nation Battle of the Bands contest, taking home a $35,000 prize which he used to purchase the recording gear that would help launch his career.
The Advocate: A Career in Law and Social Justice
While music offered an outlet for emotional expression, Blake Anderson Hanley felt a pull toward a different kind of impact. Driven by a desire for social justice, he pursued a legal career — a path that seemed to run parallel, yet in a completely different world, to his life as an artist. He attended Southwestern Law School, where he served as Vice President of the Music Law Society, creating an early bridge between his two passions.
Since 2018, Hanley has worked as an attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, an organization providing equal access to the judicial system for low-income residents. His focus on family and domestic violence law places him on the front lines, advocating for individuals during their most vulnerable moments. This work is not just a job; it’s a calling.
In a 2019 interview with CBS12, Hanley revealed that his motivation was partly inspired by the social commentary in the music of his heroes, like The Clash and Bob Marley. He saw law not as a departure from his values, but as a different method to achieve the same goals — giving a voice to the unheard.
From Stage to Courtroom: A Career Timeline
Blake Anderson Hanley’s journey is best understood as a series of overlapping chapters rather than a linear path. The following timeline highlights the key milestones that have shaped his dual careers in music and law.
| Period | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2010s | Wins Live Nation Battle of the Bands | The $35,000 prize provides the financial means to purchase professional recording equipment, kickstarting his music career. |
| 2010 | Marries actress Emily Wickersham | His personal life enters the public sphere, though he maintains a private focus. |
| 2015–2017 | Forms Ghost Lion & Releases Ballad of St. Panama EP | Establishes his artistic voice and the band’s unique “subtropical world-pop” sound. |
| Mid-2010s | Attends Southwestern Law School | Formally begins his legal education, serving as VP of the Music Law Society and bridging his two worlds. |
| 2018 | Divorces Emily Wickersham & Relaunches Ghost Lion | A year of profound personal and professional transition. He returns to Florida and refocuses on his music. |
| 2018 | Joins Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County | Begins his work as a family and domestic violence attorney, putting his social justice ideals into practice. |
| 2019 | Performs at SunFest Music Festival | A major hometown performance that marks a high point for Ghost Lion and his return to the stage after personal hardship. |
| 2019–Present | Marries Mumbi O’Brien & Welcomes Daughter Muoni | Enters a new chapter of personal stability and happiness, becoming a husband and father. |
The Man Behind the Headlines: Reinvention and Family
The end of his marriage in 2018 marked a pivotal moment for Blake Hanley. He moved back to his hometown of Palm Beach after nearly a decade in Los Angeles — a transition he described as both strange and healing. “Coming home after such a long time, it felt odd,” he shared in a CBS12 interview. “I had gone through a lot of heartbreak.”
This return home was not an ending, but a reset. He poured his emotions into his music, writing songs that chronicled his journey of heartbreak and recovery. It was during this period of reinvention that he found love again with Mumbi O’Brien, a talented visual artist and costume designer with a background from the Rhode Island School of Design and UCLA.
Their relationship marked a new chapter of quiet stability. In May 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Muoni — a name associated with peace and calmness. Fatherhood brought a profound transformation to Hanley’s life, grounding him and providing a new sense of purpose that now balances his creative and professional ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician, songwriter, and family law attorney. He is the lead vocalist for the indie band Ghost Lion and is also known as the former husband of NCIS actress Emily Wickersham.
What is Blake Anderson Hanley known for?
He is known for his dual career as an indie musician with the band Ghost Lion and as a practicing attorney specializing in family and domestic violence law with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Florida.
What band was Blake Anderson Hanley in?
Blake Anderson Hanley is the frontman and lead vocalist for the indie rock band Ghost Lion, which was previously known as Kin Cayo. The band is known for their debut album Nuclear Island and their distinctive “subtropical world-pop” sound.
Is Blake Anderson Hanley still a lawyer?
Yes. As of 2026, Blake Anderson Hanley is an active and eligible member of The Florida Bar (Bar #1008828) and continues to work as a family law attorney.
Who was Blake Anderson Hanley married to?
Blake Anderson Hanley was married to American actress Emily Wickersham, best known for her role as Ellie Bishop on the TV series NCIS. They were married on November 23, 2010, in the Florida Keys, and divorced in December 2018.
Is Blake Anderson Hanley remarried?
Yes. After his divorce from Emily Wickersham, Blake Hanley married Mumbi O’Brien, a visual artist and costume designer with a background from the Rhode Island School of Design and UCLA.
Does Blake Anderson Hanley have children?
Yes. Blake Hanley and his wife Mumbi O’Brien have one daughter, Muoni, who was born in May 2020.
What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth?
While exact figures are private, his net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, earned through his combined careers in music and law.
Conclusion
The story of Blake Anderson Hanley is a powerful testament to the art of living a multifaceted life. He is a musician who finds solace in rhythm and rhyme, and a lawyer who seeks justice in the quiet corridors of the legal system. His journey reminds us that passion and purpose are not mutually exclusive, and that reinvention is always possible.
By embracing both the introspective “Ghost” and the courageous “Lion,” Hanley has forged a path that is uniquely his own — one defined not by fame or fortune, but by authenticity, service, and the quiet determination to make a difference, both on stage and in the courtroom.