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.

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.