William S. Donio, Business Attorney in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Education, and Government · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratCooper Levenson, P.A.
Atlantic City, NJ
Practicing business in Atlantic City since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William S. Donio?
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Quick answer
William S. Donio is a partner based in Atlantic City, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Education, and Government. William has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper Levenson, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Business · Education · Government
- Handles Business, Education, and Government matters from Atlantic City, NJ.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William S. Donio: William S. Donio is a partner based in Atlantic City, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Education, and Government. William has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper Levenson, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William S. Donio
William concentrates on business, education, government, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Education
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Government
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Atlantic City, New Jersey
William takes business matters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Education cases in Atlantic City, New Jersey
William takes education matters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Atlantic City, New Jersey
William takes government matters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Atlantic City, New Jersey
William takes litigation matters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Atlantic City, New Jersey
William takes real estate matters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William S. Donio — Over 31 years of New Jersey business experience
William S. Donio is a partner based in Atlantic City, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Education, and Government. William has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper Levenson, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
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.
William's approach to business cases
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,…
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, education, and government matters in Atlantic City and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
William S. Donio's legal education and bar admissions
Columbia University School of Law J.D. 1995 Production Editor of the Columbia Business Law Review
—
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
—
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Third Circuit Court
1996 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1995 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Courts
1995 · ACTIVE
William studied at — in Columbia University School of Law J.D. 1995 Production Editor of the Columbia Business Law Review and — in 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.
Law school and academic background
William completed — in Columbia University School of Law J.D. 1995 Production Editor of the Columbia Business Law Review and — in 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. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William S. Donio
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Joseph's High School, the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc
membership
and the Galloway Community Charter School Foundation for Education •Founding and Present Trustee - Samuel A
membership
Donio Foundation for Education, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Hammonton High School and St
membership
Joseph's High School in Hammonton as well as provides grant money for educational programs
membership
•Volunteer - South Jersey Aids Alliance •Volunteer - Hammonton and Egg Harbor Township High Schools •Coach - Hammonton High School Mock Trial Team •Coach - Hammonton Youth Soccer Assn
membership
Professional Associations •Attorney Member - District I Ethics Committee 2003-2006 •Member - Atlantic County Bar Association •Member - Camden County Bar Association
membership
Locations
William S. Donio's office in Atlantic City
William's primary office is at 1125 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ, 08401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William S. Donio — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Atlantic City.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William S. Donio claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William S. Donio — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Atlantic City, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William S. Donio
How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Atlantic City?
William is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Atlantic City, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
William handles business matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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