Nathan Miller graduated from the Cortland Normal School and was admitted to the bar in 1893. He began his career in public service as a county school commissioner and city corporation counsel before being appointed New York State Comptroller. Miller subsequently served as a justice for both the New York Supreme Court and the New York Court of Appeals. He transitioned to elected office, serving as governor of New York with a focus on economic reforms and cost-cutting measures. After his governorship, Miller practiced law and held significant roles within the corporate sector, including serving as general counsel for United States Steel.

Nathan Miller's political career reveals a complex blend of fiscal conservatism and progressive social policies, alongside an unexpected alignment with corporate interests. His tenure as governor showcased a rigorous cost-cutting approach, yet he simultaneously championed labor reforms and clemency for inmates. Miller's judicial career and notable opinions suggest a strategic alignment with corporate entities, as evidenced by his later role with United States Steel. His opposition to U.S. involvement in the League of Nations and advocacy for isolationism further complicate his ideological positioning, revealing a nuanced approach to foreign policy.