Tim grew up in Rockford and came to DeKalb in 1991 to begin his studies at Northern Illinois University, and has been a resident of DeKalb County ever since. After receiving his Undergraduate Degree in Political Science, he began working at a light-industry manufacturing facility in DeKalb. In the six years he spent working at that factory, in addition to earning a Master of Business Administration, he gained valuable experience which he utilizes in his practice in order to help him better understand the variety of issues that people face in their daily lives. Tim enrolled in Northern Illinois University College of Law in the fall of 2001. While in law school he served as an editor for the Northern Illinois University Law Review and graduated from law school Magna Cum Laude in 2004.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of both Opportunity House and the Historic Ellwood House Museum, he has served as an adjunct instructor in the Paralegal Studies program at Rockford Career College and instructs area landlords on the eviction process for the City of DeKalb Crime Free Housing Program. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the DeKalb County Bar Association.