Atty. William S. Donio
William Donio provides strategic counsel and representation in education law, education-related litigation, and a broad range of commercial and municipal matters. His practice encompasses commercial litigation, corporate transactions, administrative law, real estate development, and appellate work.
Profile Summary
About William S. Donio at a glance
William S. Donio is a Partner based in Atlantic City, New Jersey, practicing at Cooper Levenson, P.A.. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on business, real estate, litigation, education, and government. Admitted to practice in New Jersey (1995), Pennsylvania (1995), U.S. District Courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania (1995), and Third Circuit Court of Appeals (1996). Educated at Columbia University School of Law J.D. 1995 Production Editor of the Columbia Business Law Review (—) and Rutgers College - Rutgers the State University B.A. with High Honors in History Rutgers College - Rutgers the State University B.A. 1991 Presidential Scholarship Recipient Henry Rutgers Schol (—). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Joseph's High School, the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc, and the Galloway Community Charter School Foundation for Education •Founding and Present Trustee - Samuel A, and Donio Foundation for Education, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Hammonton High School and St. Serands clients in Atlantic City, NJ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- William Donio provides strategic counsel and representation in education law, education-related litigation, and a broad range of commercial and municipal matters
- His practice encompasses commercial litigation, corporate transactions, administrative law, real estate development, and appellate work
- He represents school districts of all sizes across New Jersey, helping them navigate complex legal, regulatory, and compliance issues
- In addition, he represents schools as assigned insurance panel counsel
- Wil also advises privately held businesses on corporate litigation and employment matters, providing practical solutions tailored to their goals
- With his practice group, Wil brings deep experience handling special education disputes
- discrimination
- harassment, intimidation, and bullying claims
- disability-related matters
- construction and public bidding issues
- Family Medical Leave Act violations
- tort claims
- and open public records matters
- His clients benefit from a team that combines courtroom skill with strategic guidance to achieve effective outcomes
- Case Highlights One case of special note is Clifford Levine v
- Voorhees Township Board of Education
- Wil represented the Voorhees Township Board of Education in this action as assigned insurance counsel
- The Plaintiff filed a federal lawsuit alleging the school district violated New Jersey LAD (law against discrimination) with a demand of $1.5 million
- He was successful in trying this matter to conclusion and have the jury return a “no liability” verdict for our client
- The matter went before a federal jury where Wil received a successful “no liability” verdict
- Awards and Recognitions Wil was selected in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, and 2026 for inclusion on the New Jersey Super Lawyer list* in the area of school law
- He is rated Distinguished by Martindale Hubbell in the area of education law.* Wil was honored with two “40 Under 40” awards, one from the New Jersey Law Journal and one from Atlantic City Weekly
- In 2025 Wil received the Russell Weiss, Jr., Esq. Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Association of School Attorneys (NJASA) Community Wil is extensively involved in his community and has donated his time over the years to many diverse organizations, such as: •Assisting with the organization and incorporation of the Hammonton Education Foundation, the Red and White Gridiron Foundation for St. Joseph’s High School, and the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc. •Founding and Present Trustee - Samuel A. Donio Foundation for Education, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Hammonton High School, St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton, St. Augustine Prep, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, and Atlantic Cape Community College, as well as provides grant money for educational programs. •Volunteer - Hammonton and Egg Harbor Township High Schools •Coach - Hammonton High School Mock Trial Team •Coach - Hammonton Youth Soccer Assn
- Seminars Wil is an adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Law - Camden, where he teaches Education Law & Practice and a faculty member of the SRI-ETTC where he teaches on Student Rights and Responsibilities, Harassment Intimidation and Bullying and other education related topics
- Wil is a frequent volunteer presenter for State and local Bar Associations
- State and local chapters of the NJ School Boards Association
- and various education professional associations
- He frequently speaks at School Board Association gatherings and conventions and in-services staff for insurance, policy, and continuing education compliance
Practice Areas Explained
William S. Donio's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William S. Donio handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
William S. Donio is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in New Jersey →
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
William S. Donio is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in New Jersey →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
William S. Donio is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in New Jersey →
Education attorneys for special education (IEP), school discipline, Title IX, and student rights.
William S. Donio is one of 24,079 education attorneys indexed nationally. Browse education attorneys in New Jersey →
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
William S. Donio is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in New Jersey →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in New Jersey
Practicing law in New Jersey. Legal matters in New Jersey are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Atlantic City are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New Jersey state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New Jersey brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New Jersey courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional New Jersey attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Atlantic City or all attorneys in New Jersey.
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