[2][3] Tipton served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1988 to 1994 as a radio operator for an infantry battalion.

His practice focused on complex employment law and trade secret litigation.

Tipton was nominated to the seat vacated by Judge Sim Lake, who assumed senior status on July 5, 2019.

[6] On June 3, 2020, the United States Senate invoked cloture on Tipton's nomination by a 53–42 vote.

[9] On June 23, 2023, the Supreme Court overturned his ruling on 8–1 vote, on the grounds that Tipton did not have jurisdiction over the case.