Gary M. Ketchum has lived in Tallahassee since he was six years old; leaving to attend Emory University, from which he graduated in 1963. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, serving until 1967. While in the service he went to sea as a Naval Line officer. He attended the University of Florida Law School beginning in 1967 and graduating in 1970. While at Florida Law School he was elected to the Florida Law Review, serving as an Executive Editor in 1969. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in May, 1970. He practiced in Tampa for several years, specializing in Admiralty and related litigation. Since 1980 he has practiced in Tallahassee. He has worked with Steve Larson, as an associated attorney and on an "of counsel" basis, since 1995. His work with Steve has been in the area of criminal defense, with emphasis on trial strategy and motion practice involving Constitutional issues.