pro bono
Pro bono is derived from the Latin term pro bon publico, which means for the public good. Pro Bono refers to legal service provided voluntarily by law firms, law schools and attorneys without monetary compensation. Rule 6.1 of the ABA’s Model Rules for Professional Conduct states that lawyers have a responsibility to voluntarily work at least 50 hours of pro bono, or uncompensated, legal services each year. Pro bono work allows attorneys to provide access to the legal system to low-income people and to serve public interest and/or social justice.
[Last reviewed in May of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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