Hunter Biden folds under pressure, surrendering his DC law license to avoid a humiliating public investigation into his conduct after criminal convictions and his father’s desperate pardon couldn’t erase the consequences of his actions.
At a Glance
- Hunter Biden agreed to be permanently disbarred from practicing law in Washington, D.C., filing an affidavit acknowledging his “consent to disbarment”
- The disbarment follows his suspension in June 2024 after his felony conviction for lying about drug use when purchasing a firearm in 2018
- Despite being pardoned by his father President Trump’s predecessor in December 2024, the pardon doesn’t prevent professional consequences like disbarment
- Hunter has maintained his DC bar membership since 2007 by paying annual fees, though he never actively practiced law there
Strategic Surrender of Legal Credentials
Hunter Biden’s legal career officially ended this week as he submitted a formal “consent to disbarment” to Washington D.C. authorities. This calculated move allows him to avoid a potentially embarrassing and detailed investigation into his professional conduct following his criminal convictions. The first son had been suspended from practicing law in the District since June 2024, immediately after his conviction on felony gun charges related to lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm.
While Hunter has maintained his DC bar membership since 2007 by paying annual dues, records indicate he never actively practiced law in the District. Instead, he leveraged the credential while working in various business arrangements, including an “of counsel” position at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP during his father’s vice presidency. His disbarment will become official once the D.C. Court of Appeals reviews and accepts the recommendation from disciplinary officials.
Criminal Convictions That Triggered Disciplinary Action
The disbarment stems from Hunter’s serious criminal convictions that violated legal ethics standards. In June 2024, he was found guilty on three charges related to false statements and illegal gun possession while using drugs. During that trial, prosecutors successfully argued that Hunter was addicted to crack cocaine when he purchased the firearm in 2018 and lied on federal forms about his substance abuse issues.
“Hunter Biden will be permanently stripped of his ability to practice law in the nation’s capital after agreeing to a disciplinary agency’s disbarment recommendation,” according to court documents filed with the DC Bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Following the gun conviction, Hunter faced even more legal trouble with tax evasion charges in California. He eventually pleaded guilty to nine tax-related charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors. The DC Court of Appeals determined these constituted “serious crimes as defined by D.C. Bar Rule XI,” which automatically triggered disciplinary proceedings against him regardless of his father’s subsequent pardon.
Presidential Pardon Couldn’t Save His Law License
In a last-ditch effort to shield his son from consequences, former President Joe Biden issued Hunter a “full and unconditional” pardon in December 2024 before leaving office. This sweeping pardon covered not only Hunter’s gun and tax convictions but also included a blanket protection for any crimes “he has committed or may have committed” from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024 – an unprecedented move that sparked widespread criticism for its breadth and timing.
However, legal experts have noted that presidential pardons, while clearing criminal records, do not automatically restore professional licenses or prevent disciplinary actions by professional regulatory bodies. Hunter’s consent to disbarment represents an acknowledgment that even his father’s extraordinary pardon couldn’t shield him from the professional consequences of his actions. His Connecticut law license also remains under administrative suspension for non-payment of reinstatement fees.
