adjective
pro bono
proh BOH-noh
Pro bono (adjective) means Done free of charge for the public benefit, especially professional work such as legal advice given to people who cannot afford it. Example: “She takes on two pro bono cases a year.”
adjective
1
Done free of charge for the public benefit, especially professional work such as legal advice given to people who cannot afford it.
"She takes on two pro bono cases a year."
"The firm runs a pro bono clinic every Thursday evening."
adverb
1
Without charging a fee.
"He agreed to represent the tenants pro bono."
How to use pro bono
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProfessional work done for free to help people who could not otherwise pay for it.
When to use it
Neutral and standard in law, accountancy, medicine and design.
Memory tip
Pro bono describes skilled professional work given free; general unpaid help is usually called volunteering.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
pro bono vs volunteering
pro bono vs no win no fee
Common pairings
pro bono work
pro bono case
pro bono representation
take it on pro bono
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She takes on two _____ cases a year.
Etymology
Short for Latin pro bono publico, "for the public good".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pro bono
See all rhymes for pro bono →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pro bono and volunteering?
Pro bono means giving away the professional service you normally charge for, such as a lawyer drafting a will at no cost. Volunteering is any unpaid help, skilled or not. All pro bono work is voluntary, but not all volunteering is pro bono.
Is pro bono the same as no win, no fee?
No. Pro bono is free whatever the outcome. Under a no win, no fee arrangement the lawyer is paid, often generously, if the case succeeds.
What is the meaning of pro bono?
"pro bono" (adjective) means done free of charge for the public benefit, especially professional work such as legal advice given to people who cannot afford it.
What is another word for pro bono?
Other words for "pro bono" include free, unpaid, voluntary, charitable, for free, gratis.
