Pro bono refers to legal services provided without charge for the public good. In practice, it usually means that a lawyer, law firm, clinic, or legal organization is representing a client without collecting a fee from that client.

The term is most often used to describe volunteer legal work that helps people or causes that otherwise might not have meaningful access to the legal system.

Pro Bono Explained

Cornell Wex explains that pro bono comes from the idea of acting for the public good and refers to legal services provided voluntarily without monetary compensation. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine glossary similarly states that if a lawyer represents a client without charge, the lawyer is representing the client pro bono.

The Term Pro Bono in Different Legal Contexts

Pro bono work can appear in civil litigation, appellate matters, nonprofit representation, legal-aid partnerships, clinic programs, and court-appointed volunteer representation. The exact structure varies, but the common feature is unpaid legal service aimed at access to justice or public-interest needs.

Although pro bono representation is unpaid by the client, it is still real legal representation and remains governed by professional duties of competence, diligence, confidentiality, and loyalty.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Pro Bono

A common misconception is that pro bono means casual or lower-quality legal help. In reality, the same professional standards apply to pro bono work as to paid representation.

Another misconception is that pro bono simply means any free information. The term is most accurately used for legal services or representation provided without charge.