Pro Bono Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Pro Bono, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Pro Bono?

It is a short latin term for pro bono publico which means “for the public good” where lawyers render free legal service or assistance to poor people having legal problems and who cannot afford to pay the legal expenses.They also provide assistance to charitable and religious institutions working for social causes like poverty,child education,minority,environment, rights for women etc.

History and Meaning of Pro Bono

The term "pro bono" has its roots in Latin, where it translates to "for the public good." In the legal world, pro bono refers to the provision of free legal services to those who cannot afford them. The idea of pro bono work dates back to ancient Rome, where lawyers would take on cases for free in the name of justice.

In modern times, pro bono work has become an integral part of the legal profession. Many bar associations and legal organizations encourage their members to provide pro bono services to those in need. Pro bono work can take many forms, from representing low-income clients in court to drafting legal documents for charitable organizations.

Examples of Pro Bono

  1. A lawyer taking on a case for a client who cannot afford legal representation and providing their services for free.
  2. A law firm providing free legal counsel for a nonprofit organization.
  3. An attorney offering pro bono services to help people who have been affected by a natural disaster navigate insurance claims and other legal matters.

Legal Terms Similar to Pro Bono

  1. Legal Aid: Legal aid is a service that provides free legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford it.
  2. Public Interest Law: Public interest law refers to legal work that is done to advance the interests of the public or a specific cause, often in areas such as civil rights, environmental law, or consumer protection.
  3. Community Legal Services: Community legal services are organizations that provide low-cost or free legal services to individuals and families in need in a particular community or region.