What is pro bono?

Published by a ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô Practice Management expert
Practice notes

What is pro bono?

Published by a ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô Practice Management expert

Practice notes
imgtext

Many lawyers recognise it is a privilege to be able to provide legal advice and representation and be a part of the legal system. With this privilege comes a responsibility to help ensure that everyone has access to justice. This Practice Note provides information about what pro bono is and the reasons why lawyers may choose to undertake some form of pro bono work.

What is pro bono?

The term pro bono is the commonly used shortened version of the Latin phrase ‘pro bono publico’, meaning ‘for the common good’.

It is usually used as shorthand for pro bono legal work, eg where free legal advice is provided voluntarily by a lawyer or firm to individuals, charities or community groups who cannot afford to pay for it.

For law firms, pro bono work should always be an addition to, and not a substitute for, properly funded legal services. Many believe that pro bono services should only be offered in circumstances where the work is completely outside the scope of publicly funded services. Others think if it would be difficult

Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Key definition:
Law definition
What does Law mean?

means: (a) any legislation, regulation, by-law or subordinate legislation in force from time to time to which a party is subject and/or in any jurisdiction that the Services are provided to or in respect of; (b) the common law and laws of equity as applicable to the parties from time to time; (c) any binding court order, judgment or decree; (d) any applicable industry code, policy or standard; or (e) any applicable direction, policy, rule or order that is binding on a party and that is made or given by any regulatory body having jurisdiction over a party or any of that party’s assets, resources or business;

Popular documents