Hunter Biden’s decision to permanently disbar himself from practicing law in Washington, D.C., raises questions that only time and the courts can fully answer. This decision comes after the D.C. Bar’s Board on Professional Responsibility announced its findings regarding Biden’s legal troubles. By agreeing to the disbarment, Hunter Biden avoids any further legal proceedings related to his felony convictions, offering a stark reminder of the consequences that can follow criminal activity, even for those in positions of power.

Hunter’s Legal License Officially Terminated

Hunter Biden will be permanently disbarred from practicing law in Washington, D.C., after voluntarily surrendering his license with a sealed affidavit consenting to disbarment. The former first son’s legal credentials were already suspended last June following his conviction on felony gun charges, where he was found guilty of lying about his drug use to purchase a firearm.

The D.C. Bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel had initiated proceedings against Hunter due to his criminal convictions, which include three felonies and six misdemeanors related to tax evasion. By surrendering his license now, Hunter avoids lengthy and potentially embarrassing public disciplinary proceedings that would have highlighted details of his criminal behavior and drug addiction.

Hunter Biden opted for voluntary disbarment, surrendering his Washington, D.C. law license, instead of engaging in a possibly lengthy legal struggle following his criminal convictions. pic.twitter.com/sZy77QfmVz

— Merissa Hansen (@merissahansen17) April 2, 2025

Presidential Pardon Failed to Save Career

Despite receiving a “full and unconditional” pardon from his father, former President Joe Biden, in December before leaving office, Hunter couldn’t escape professional consequences. The pardon, widely criticized as an abuse of presidential power to protect family members, did nothing to prevent the D.C. Bar from pursuing disciplinary action based on the underlying criminal conduct.

NEW: Hunter Biden has been disbarred and can no longer practice law in Washington, D.C.

Great work @EagleEdMartin, @MarcoPolo501c3. pic.twitter.com/FR8FB8SDzG

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) April 1, 2025

Hunter graduated from Yale Law School in 1996 and was admitted to the D.C. bar in 2007, though reports indicate he never actively practiced law there. He also holds a Connecticut law license, which is currently under administrative suspension for non-payment of fees, showing a pattern of professional negligence that mirrors his personal troubles.

Ongoing Financial and Legal Problems

The disbarment represents yet another blow to Hunter Biden, who recently described himself as a “struggling artist” in court filings. In a March filing, he cited financial difficulties stemming from declining art sales and damage from January Los Angeles fires, a stark contrast to his previous high-paying positions that have raised questions about influence peddling.

The final step in Hunter’s disbarment requires formal acceptance by the D.C. Court of Appeals, which is considered a formality at this point. The specifics of Hunter’s disbarment agreement remain confidential, with the board describing the sealed nature of such proceedings as “standard procedure” – a level of privacy not typically afforded to average Americans facing legal consequences.

Sources:

Convicted felon Hunter Biden to be permanently stripped of DC license to practice law

Hunter Biden voluntarily gives up law license, dodges hearings over felony convictions

Hunter Biden gives up law license in Washington, D.C., avoiding disbarment proceedings – POLITICO