A graduate of the University of Memphis School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1981, Dolan brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice to the Missouri House, having served as a prosecuting attorney, associate circuit judge, and circuit judge in both Scott and Mississippi counties.

One of Dolan's most notable achievements is his leadership in the establishment of Missouri's first juvenile drug court, an initiative that has had a lasting impact on the state's approach to addressing substance abuse issues among youth. He also served as one of the first presidents of the Missouri drug courts, providing invaluable guidance to these vital programs. For his outstanding contributions to the legal and justice systems, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Missouri 2020 Judicial Excellence Award from the Missouri Supreme Court and the 2023 Mississippi County Law Enforcement Community Partner of the Year.

Outside of his legislative work, Dolan is an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, where he engages in service and fellowship within his community. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and their two children, Win and Claire.