Definition of pro bono
: being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work donated especially for the public good pro bono work
pro bono
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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.
Origin and Etymology of pro bono
Latin pro bono publico for the public good
First Known Use: 1966
Other Legal Terms
PRO BONO Defined for English Language Learners
pro bono
playDefinition of pro bono for English Language Learners
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law : involving or doing legal work for free
Law Dictionary
pro bono
Legal Definition of pro bono
: being, involving, or doing legal work donated especially for the public good
Origin and Etymology of pro bono
Latin pro bono publico for the public good
Learn More about pro bono
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Nglish: Translation of pro bono for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pro bono for Arabic speakers
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