What is "pro bono"

short for Medieval Latin pro bono publico "for the public good;" see pro- + bene-.

a. (context legal English) done without fee, generally for clients of humble means adv. In a manner without fee.

adj. done for the public good without compensation

Pro bono publico (; usually shortened to pro bono) is a Latin phrase for professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment. Unlike traditional volunteerism, it is service that uses the specific skills of professionals to provide services to those who are unable to afford them.

Pro Bono Publico is also used in the United Kingdom to describe the central motivation of large organizations such as the National Health Service, and various NGOs, which exist "for the public good", rather than for shareholder profit.