Professor Tilly earned a J.D. from Baylor School of Law, graduating with honors. As a student he served as a senior executive editor of the law review, competed as a mock trial advocate, and published an article concerning the rights of adoptive children.

Tilly earned his degree in political science from the University of Texas and thereafter began working in politics and government in Austin, Texas. He served as the deputy director of the statewide campaign for a Texas Supreme Court justice and campaign manager for two members of the Texas House of Representatives. He later served as a chief of staff in the Texas legislature.

He came to Campbell Law from private law practice in Texas where he litigated claims in civil trial courts involving a range of legal issues including real estate disputes, construction defects, personal injury claims and medical malpractice torts.