A Life in Service: Professor Dyllan Taxman’s Path from the Military to Academia

Assistant Professor of Law Dyllan Taxman’s journey into the legal field began at a young age in the familiar surroundings of his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With his mother serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he grew up immersed in the nuances of criminal law. This early exposure and his love for reading and writing made law an obvious career choice. However, it was not until he entered law school that Taxman discovered a more profound passion for how legal education shapes one’s problem-solving and critical-thinking approach.

One of the standout experiences during his legal education was his Civil Procedure class, which unexpectedly became his favorite. The substance of the class might not have been inherently exciting, but the professor’s exceptional teaching style made all the difference. This professor excelled in conveying complex legal concepts and demonstrated genuine care for his students. This relationship profoundly impacted Taxman, and their connection has continued to thrive, with this mentor offering him guidance throughout his career.

Taxman’s professional journey has been equally shaped by his time in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps), where he served as a military prosecutor, command legal advisor, and civil legal assistance attorney. One particularly memorable case involved a defendant facing a minor charge at a contested court-martial. The defendant’s father, who was terminally ill, had traveled with great difficulty to attend the trial. Recognizing the unique circumstances, Taxman and his co-counsel negotiated a delay in the defendant’s incarceration, allowing him valuable time with his father. This experience reinforced for Taxman the vital role of humanity, mercy, and perspective in the criminal justice system—values that often transcend mere legal outcomes.

Beyond his legal practice, Taxman enjoys a cherished personal tradition with his grandmother: a two-person remote book club. They regularly select books to read together and discuss, staying connected despite the miles that separate them. This shared love for literature deepens their bond and is another reflection of Taxman’s lifelong appreciation for the written word.

Joining the Baylor Law School faculty in the fall of 2024, Taxman brings a rich criminal and international law background. His scholarship, featured in publications such as the Louisiana Law Review and Memphis Law Review, explores the intersections of criminal law and international law’s influence on American courts. His academic pursuits are grounded in his practical experiences, including serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee, where he prosecuted various cases.

Taxman’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He earned his B.A. in English Literature and Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin, followed by a magna cum laude graduation from Georgetown Law, where he studied while working at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He further honed his legal skills during a clerkship with the Honorable Ralph R. Erickson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

In his personal life, Taxman and his wife Katlyn enjoy exploring the great outdoors, often accompanied by their beloved golden retriever, Sugaree. The trio can frequently be found wandering through parks and farmers’ markets, enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

As a professor, Taxman hopes to be a resource for veteran students and those interested in military law, drawing on his diverse experiences to enrich his teaching. His journey from the military to academia is a testament to his dedication to service in both the courtroom and the classroom. Through his work, Taxman exemplifies the blend of legal expertise and human compassion that defines the Baylor Law School experience.