He was in the United States Army Reserve from 1955 to 1957, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1956, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1958.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 24, 1986, and received his commission on May 7, 1986.

[2] On August 30, 2021, Bryan dismissed a lawsuit challenging Washington's ban on conversion therapy for minors.

[3] The 9th circuit affirmed Bryan in September 2022, and the Supreme Court denied certiorari on December 11, 2023.