Patrick Hanley

A Top Lawyer as named by Boston Magazine, Patrick Hanley is a trial attorney and partner at Butters Brazilian LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.  Mr. Hanley has an active criminal and civil trial practice.  He actively engages with individuals and businesses across the state facing white collar criminal investigations and government enforcement actions in both federal and state courts, advocating on their behalf and presenting their stories.

Majoring in history, Mr. Hanley received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University in 2000 and, later, a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 2003.  

Mr. Hanley started his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and worked there for three years. He spent a large portion of his career—more than a decade, at the  Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts. He joined as an Assistant Attorney General in the Enterprise and Major Crimes Division, and was later promoted to the position of Chief of the Gaming Enforcement Division.  In this role, Mr. Hanley developed extensive experience and knowledge of the gaming industry.  He also oversaw a numerous investigations involving fraud, public corruption, illegal gambling, violent crimes, drug trafficking and human trafficking.  

Well-versed in casino operations the regulatory oversight to which they are subject, Mr. Hanley advises clients on suitability, licensing, enforcement, and compliance.

Mr. Hanley specializes in representing business leaders, professionals, and public officials.  His clients include executives, attorneys, small business owners, and police officers.  Mr. Hanley not only represents clients in government investigations, but also in licensensing proceedings.  He has represented clients before the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO), Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), Massachusetts Ethics Commission, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commssion, as well as other administrative agencies.

Mr. Hanley is well-respected in law enforcement and serves as the General Counsel for the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the largest law enforcement union in New England.