William S. Donio joined Cooper Levenson in 2003 with the merger of his own successful Hammonton, New Jersey-based practice into the firm.
His background is rich with experience in the public sector, with a focus on representing local boards of education. Wil founded and chairs Cooper Levenson’s Education Law practice group, a department that is known throughout the State for its “solution-centered” approach to education law.
Wil frequently works with other practice groups including Employment Law, Land Use, Commercial Litigation, and Municipal/Governmental Services.
A graduate of Rutgers College – Rutgers the State University (B.A.) with High Honors in History, Wil was a Presidential Scholarship recipient, a Henry Rutgers Scholar, and a graduate of the General Honors Program.
He also is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law (J.D.), where he was Production Editor of the Columbia Business Law Review, and interned for the Honorable Joseph Rodriguez, USDJ.
Wil is admitted to the bar in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
In addition to education law and education-related litigation, Wil’s practice encompasses such areas as commercial litigation, commercial transactions, administrative law, municipal law, real estate development and appeals.
Wil represents dozens of school districts, large and small, in every part of the State of New Jersey. He also represents privately held commercial entities in corporate litigation and employment matters.
Wil and the attorneys in his practice group have extensive experience in litigating special education matters, discrimination claims, sexual harassment claims, disability discrimination claims, construction matters, public bidding matters, family medical leave act violations, tort claims, and open public records claims.
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. He was successful in trying this matter to conclusion and have the jury return a “no liability” verdict for our client.
The Plaintiff filed a federal lawsuit alleging the school district violated New Jersey LAD (law against discrimination) with a demand of $1.5 million.
The matter went before a federal jury where Wil received a successful “no liability” verdict.
Wil was selected in 2017, 2018 and 2024 for inclusion on the New Jersey Super Lawyer list* in the area of school law. Read more.
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.
Wil is extensively involved in his community and has donated his time over the years to many diverse organizations, such as:
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 and 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.
1125 Atlantic Avenue
Third Floor
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-344-3161
1415 Marlton Pike East
Suite 205
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-795-9110
1201 N. Orange Street
Suite 713
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-838-2600
3016 W. Charleston Blvd.
Suite 195
Las Vegas, NV 89102
702-366-1125
Broward Financial Center
500 E. Broward Blvd.
Suite 1710
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
954-889-1860
45 Rockefeller Plaza
20th Floor
New York, NY 10111
212-372-7400