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 work at the clinic earned him the Highest Pro Bono Distinction at graduation, which was awarded for working more than 150 extra pro bono hours above the normal course requirements of the clinic. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Previously pro bono resources, including invites to private events or access to micro-grants, now have a monthly membership fee to keep the space afloat. —Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

The Sacketts were lucky to have received pro bono legal assistance from the Pacific Legal Foundation, an organization dedicated to fighting government regulatory overreach. —James Burling, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025

Demand a lawsuit, demand pro bono legal aid for our immigrant community members. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025

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