: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In their appeal, the federal government’s attorneys said the plaintiffs can keep representing kids through other funding, such as private donors or pro bono services. Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025 The law firm Sidley Austin LLP has contributed to the IBMA through pro bono legal services since 2015, when Sidley Austin partner and co-head of the company’s global corporate governance practice Holly Gregory initiated the partnership. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 July 2025 In the wake of those letters, as well as executive orders signed by President Trump seeking to strip security clearances from firms and block them from federal buildings, many of the law firms agreed to do millions in pro bono work for causes favored by the administration. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 9 July 2025 Major law firms attract young lawyers through their sponsorship of pro bono initiatives, many of which have become key facets of their practices. Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pro bono

Word History

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro bono was in 1966

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Cite this Entry

“Pro bono.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro%20bono. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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

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