About Bill Berard

William D. Berard, III, attorney at law, has been leading McGrath Programs since 1995 -- including our sexual harassment and abuse awareness, complaint management and investigation programs, our bullying and harassment curriculum, and our programs for minimizing the risk of harm and liability in athletics and extracurricular activities. 

He graduated summa cum laude in 1982 from Niagara University and from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1985. He has been a practicing attorney in Niagara Falls, NY, for over 20 years, specializing in public education law and human resource issues. In addition to his private law practice, he served as Assistant School District Attorney for the City of Niagara Falls Public Schools from 1993-98.

In 1999, Bill combined his lifelong passion for sports, his law degree and his experience as a McGrath Trainer into a rare specialty -- Athletic Liability Training. He was a key player on the team that developed McGrath’s training programs and materials on this subject. Bill is a Level 3 Certified USA Hockey Coach and coaches a variety of youth sports programs year round. He is also an Associate Professor of law at Niagara University, a member of the Society for the Legal Aspects of Sports and Physical Activity, and a contributing author to NFHS Coaches Quarterly Magazine. His combined expertise in coaching and sports law uniquely qualifies him as a trainer of K12, college and university athletic staff as well as professional sports organizations such as the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns.

Mr. Berard is very active in the Niagara Falls community. Offices held include Niagara Falls Board of Education president (1990) and vice president (1988, 1989, 1993); Niagara Bar Association president (1990), vice president (1989), treasurer (1988), and secretary (1987); United Way of Niagara Division X Chairperson (1991-present); and the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club board of directors (1988-present) and board president (1989-92).

See related article: "Coaching Perspectives in the New Millennium" by McGrath Trainer William D. Berard III, Attorney at Law.

Bill Berard's Resume (PDF)