Pro Bono
In one sentence
Legal work performed without charge for the public good or those who cannot afford it.
Plain English
Pro bono means a lawyer agrees to take a case or provide legal services for free, usually to help someone who can't afford to pay. Lawyers often do this work to serve their community, uphold justice, or handle cases they believe in. Many law firms encourage their attorneys to spend a certain number of hours each year on pro bono cases.
Ad slot
Example
A civil rights organization represents a low-income tenant in an eviction case on a pro bono basis, without charging any legal fees.
Used in a sentence
“The attorney took the case pro bono because she believed in the client's cause.”
Related terms
Defense Attorney
A lawyer who represents a person accused of a crime in court.
Mitigation of Damages
A duty to take reasonable steps to minimize losses caused by another party's breach.
Damages Calculation
The process of determining how much money a harmed party should receive for a breach.
Legal Capacity
The legal and mental ability to enter into a binding contract.
color of law
The appearance or claim of legal authority, often used when someone abuses power while pretending to act lawfully.
Lemon Law
State laws protecting consumers who buy defective vehicles that the manufacturer cannot repair.
This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.