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

His five-year pro bono initiative provides crucial guidance to Veteran organizations, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success. —Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

The Deloitte Health Equity Institute, which has pro bono data and analytical tools to leverage that are accessible to all organizations to start on this journey of making health equity not just a societal concern, but actually a business priority. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024

This is a unique pro bono opportunity that offers tax return preparation and experiential learning in communities far off the usual Alaska travel path. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

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