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

The Brewers have an advocate working for them pro bono to appeal their Medicaid application denial. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

The measure also authorizes the city's attorneys and solicitor to volunteer their time on a pro bono basis to represent residents who are involved in immigration cases. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

For those who cannot afford assistance, local tax clinics and pro bono programs can provide help. —Sakinah Tillman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026

After hearing about Caudill’s struggle to find a new lawyer, Mavrick offered his services pro bono in August. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pro bono

• kono
• mono
• ono
• phono

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