A native of New Orleans, Gary spent the better part of his career practicing business and real estate law for one of the largest law firms in the country. Initially as an associate, and later as a full partner, he practiced in the general business section at Jones, Walker, LLP in New Orleans.  After twenty years he joined a smaller firm as a shareholder where he practiced for two years.  After living through the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in 2005, he then relocated his family to the mountains of western North Carolina.

In 2006, he opened a law office in Bryson City, the county seat for Swain County, North Carolina, where he practiced for over six years. In 2012, he relocated his office to Sylva,  the county seat for Jackson County, North Carolina. The move physically positioned the office to serve clients from a larger geographic area.  He is married to Ellen Hoffman Miller and the proud parent of Matthew Hilliard (DVM) and Katherine Elise (MSSW).