William A. "Bill" Nolan, Education Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Education, Employment, and Litigation
Columbus, OH
Practicing education in Columbus since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you William A. "Bill" Nolan?
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Quick answer
William A. "Bill" Nolan is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Litigation. William has over 37 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Columbus, OHIO
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Education · Employment · Litigation
- Handles Education, Employment, and Litigation matters from Columbus, OHIO.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbus (OH) (2026).
About William A. "Bill" Nolan: William A. "Bill" Nolan is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Litigation. William has over 37 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on education, employment, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Education
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Employment
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Litigation
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Education cases in Columbus, Ohio
William takes education matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Employment cases in Columbus, Ohio
William takes employment matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Columbus, Ohio
William takes litigation matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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
Meet William A. "Bill" Nolan — education lawyer in Columbus
William A. "Bill" Nolan is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Litigation. William has over 37 years of legal experience.
Bill Nolan serves as managing partner of the firm’s Ohio office, which he opened in 2009. Bill works to bring attentiveness and clarity to bear on employment, contract and other disputes, but is most passionate about helping clients build teams, policies and processes to minimize the frequency, cost and severity of disputes.
Bill's litigation and trial work includes covenant not to compete and trade secret cases in many states. He regularly represents employers in discrimination and discharge cases, administrative claims, arbitration and mediation, as well as often acts as a neutral himself.Bill helps clients maneuver around ever-increasing legal mandates, and has distinctive experience in employee health and leave issues and the many laws that those issues implicate. He also works with clients to design systems and practices to manage these challenges.
Additionally, Bill counsels clients on a range of workplace issues, and conducts manager and workplace training to ensure legal compliance on the front lines. In 2018, he has given particular focus to tracking how employers and legislatures respond to #MeToo, and advocates that employers rethink their training models to better address persistent workplace behaviors.
How William handles education matters
Bill Nolan serves as managing partner of the firm’s Ohio office, which he opened in 2009. Bill works to bring attentiveness and clarity to bear on employment, contract and other disputes, but is most passionate about helping clients build teams, policies and processes to minimize the frequency, cost and severity of disputes. Bill's litigation and trial work includes covenant not to compete and…
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for education, employment, and litigation matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cornell University
B.A. · 1984
Harvard University
J.D. · 1989
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Ohio
1989 · ACTIVE
William studied at B.A. in Cornell University and J.D. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
William completed B.A. in Cornell University and J.D. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 24 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbus (OH)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbus (OH)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbus (OH)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbus (OH)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Education Law, Columbus (OH)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Education Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Covenants Not to Compete
2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Disability
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Discrimination
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Elementary and Secondary Education
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Harassment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Higher Education
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbus (OH) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbus (OH) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbus (OH) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbus (OH) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Education Law, Columbus (OH) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Education Law (2026).
Locations
William A. "Bill" Nolan's office in Columbus
William's primary office is at 41 South High Street, Suite 3300, Columbus, Ohio, 43215-6104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William A. "Bill" Nolan
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William A. "Bill" Nolan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new education 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 education attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many education 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 education practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every education 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 education practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William A. "Bill" Nolan
How much does it cost to hire William for a education 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 education attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do education cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple education 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 Columbus?
William is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 education 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
Education attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
William handles education matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified education attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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