pro bono

adjective

ˌprō-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō 

: being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work donated especially for the public good

pro bono work

pro bono adverb

Did you know?

In Latin, pro bono publico means "for the public good;" in English we generally shorten the phrase to pro bono. Donating free legal help to those who need it has long been a practice of American law firms; the American Bar Association actually recommends that all lawyers donate 50 hours a year. Pro bono work is sometimes donated by nonlegal firms as well. For example, an advertising firm might produce a 60-second video for an environmental or educational organization, or a strategic-planning firm might prepare a start-up plan for a charity that funds shelters for battered women.

Examples of pro bono in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My pro bono work is done privately on my own initiative. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024

During the pandemic, Beletsky shared her knowledge with those unable to attend film school by offering pro bono teaching through her social media accounts. —Brent Lang, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024

But Lara’s case seemed so outrageous, that IJ took it pro bono and filed suit against the DEA on August 31, 2021, more than six months after Lara’s property was seized. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

At the behest of Death Row abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean (of Dead Man Walking fame), lawyer Don Knight took on Glossip’s case pro bono in 2014. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

pro bono

adverb or adjective

ˌprō-ˈbō-nō

: being, involving, or doing legal work donated especially for the public good

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good