Legal Definitions - Pro bono

Pro bono refers to professional legal services provided voluntarily and without charge by lawyers, law firms, or legal organizations. Derived from the Latin phrase 'pro bono publico,' meaning 'for the public good,' this work is often undertaken to assist individuals or groups who cannot afford legal representation, or to support causes that benefit society as a whole. It is a fundamental aspect of a lawyer's professional responsibility to ensure access to justice for all.

• Scenario: A recent immigrant, unfamiliar with the local legal system and facing potential deportation due to a misunderstanding, seeks help. A local attorney agrees to represent them in immigration court, preparing all necessary documents and arguing their case, without charging any legal fees.

  Explanation: This is an example of pro bono work because the attorney is offering their specialized legal expertise and time to an individual who would otherwise struggle to afford or access legal representation, thereby serving the public good by helping a vulnerable person navigate a complex legal challenge.

• Scenario: A small community non-profit organization, focused on providing after-school tutoring for underprivileged children, needs assistance drafting contracts for its volunteer staff and reviewing its lease agreement for a new facility. A large law firm assigns a team of its lawyers to handle all these legal tasks for the charity, free of charge.

  Explanation: The law firm's actions constitute pro bono service. They are providing essential legal support to a charitable organization that benefits the community, allowing the non-profit to allocate its limited funds directly to its programs rather than legal expenses, thus furthering its public service mission.

• Scenario: A group of environmental lawyers dedicates several years to a lawsuit challenging a major corporation's pollution of a local river, which impacts the health and livelihood of nearby residents. They pursue the case through various appeals without receiving any payment for their extensive legal work.

  Explanation: This illustrates pro bono legal service because the attorneys are committing significant resources and expertise to a complex public interest matter—protecting environmental health and community well-being—without financial compensation, acting for the broader good of society rather than for profit.