Attorney Christopher M. Hanks Suspended from D.C. Law Practice Following Virginia Discipline

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals suspended attorney Christopher M. Hanks from practicing law for six months. This suspension follows a similar disciplinary action taken against him by the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board, which imposed a six-month suspension on January 3, 2025, due to Hanks’ failure to adhere to his responsibilities as a conservator for incapacitated individuals.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Christopher M. Hanks,” with case no. 25-BG-0189.

The case revealed that Hanks was appointed as a conservator in 20 cases between 2021 and 2023. His duties included managing the financial affairs of individuals deemed incapacitated. However, Hanks neglected to submit essential inventories and accounts on time to the Commissioners of Accounts, resulting in complaints across 21 cases. The Commissioners issued multiple summonses to compel his compliance with these requirements.

During a telephonic hearing, the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board evaluated an agreed disposition presented by Bar Counsel Renu M. Brennan and Hanks’s attorney, Mary T. Morgan. The Board accepted the terms of this disposition, leading to Hanks’ suspension in Virginia.

Following the Virginia suspension, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued an order on April 3, 2025, suspending Hanks on an interim basis. The court directed him to show cause as to why he should not face identical reciprocal discipline in D.C. The Disciplinary Counsel recommended that the same disciplinary action be applied in the District.

Hanks did not respond to the court’s show cause order, which further prompted the court to take action. In its ruling, the court confirmed that Hanks would be suspended for six months.

The Disposition states:

“It is ORDERED that Christopher M. Hanks is hereby suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia for six months, nunc pro tunc to April 15, 2025.”

According to Avvo.com, Mr. Hanks is an estate planning attorney in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, graduating in 2004. He acquired his law license in D.C. in 2020.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.