Dillan was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. After graduating from high school, he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baltimore, Maryland. Since then, he has worked as a ranch hand, sawmill operator, and data consultant. He graduated from Utah State University with degrees in journalism and political science. He chose to come to J. Reuben Clark Law School because of his belief that legal advocates are essential actors in any stable and well-ordered society. When not in the library, he enjoys backpacking, flying drones, and playing chess.