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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

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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 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.

Main office

41 South High Street, Suite 3300

Columbus, Ohio 43215-6104

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of William A. "Bill" Nolan

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Hiring 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.

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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these education attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.