Hillary came by the house where Charles and Dave were staying, and over the ensuing months the three fell into a fruitful songwriting partnership. At first, the three weren't sure what exactly they were writing for—but it soon became obvious that Charles and Hillary produced a combustible chemistry as a vocal duo, and that Dave's instrumental prowess and harmony vocals filled out the picture perfectly.

By April 2007, the group had signed a recording contract with Capitol Nashville and begun work on their debut with the aid of mega-producer Paul Worley and award-winning songwriter Victoria Shaw. The resulting album is a vivid document of the group’s verve, versatility and vibrancy. Hillary co-wrote 8 out of the 11 songs on the trio's first album. Her craftsmanship has been involved with the bands first three singles including the Top 5 "Love Don't Live Here" and because of it Hillary earned SESAC's 2008 Songwriter of the Year Award. In early 2009 Hillary signed with EMI Music Publishing. With a one-of-a-kind vocal chemistry that evokes the tradition of classic country, an up-to-the-second modern sound, and a songwriting partnership that's both timely and timeless, Lady Antebellum offers a combination that’s both shockingly fresh and as familiar as an old friend.