What is the root word of pro bono?

Asked by: Mr. Eloy Weimann PhD  |  Last update: July 29, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (28 votes)

short for Medieval Latin pro bono publico "for the public good;" from pro (prep.) "on behalf of, for" (see pro-) + ablative of bonum "good" (see bene-).

What does the root word pro bono mean?

First recorded in 1720–30, pro bono is from Latin prō bonō “for (the) good, rightly, morally

Where does the term pro bono come from?

Pro bono is short for the Latin phrase pro bono publico, which means "for the public good." The term generally refers to services that are rendered by a professional for free or at a lower cost. Professionals in many fields offer pro bono services to nonprofit organizations.

What is the direct translation of pro bono?

Pro bono publico (English: 'for the public good'), usually shortened to pro bono, is a Latin phrase for professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment.

What is probono in Latin?

WHAT IS PRO BONO. The term pro bono is derived from the Latin expression pro bono publico, meaning activity undertaken. in the public interest. In its essence, pro bono means advice and assistance given by a lawyer, voluntarily and free of charge, for the common good.

🔵 Pro Bono - Pro Bono Meaning - Legal English - Pro Bono Examples

27 related questions found

What does pro bono mean slang?

In Latin, pro bono publico means "for the public good;" in English we generally shorten the phrase to pro bono. Donating free legal help to those who need it has long been a practice of American law firms; the American Bar Association actually recommends that all lawyers donate 50 hours a year.

What is the Latin phrase for free?

Most simply, liber sum. Be aware, however, that liber in Latin in the first instance refers to a social status (“free” opposed to “slave”).

Do lawyers get paid for pro bono?

"Pro bono" is a Latin phrase that means "for good." As the term suggests, attorneys do pro bono work not to make money, but to accomplish a public benefit to individuals and communities who otherwise would not have legal help. It is only pro bono work if done without charging any legal fees.

What is the foreign word for pro bono?

The term pro bono, short for "pro bono publico", is a Latin term which means "for the public good".

What does bono mean?

Italian: from the personal name Bono meaning 'good' from the Latin name Bonus which was borne by a minor 3rd-century Christian saint martyred at Rome with eleven companions under the Emperor Vespasian. It was adopted as a personal name partly in his honor and partly because of the transparently well-omened meaning.

What is it called when you can't afford a lawyer?

When a court decides someone is "indigent" - with few assets and no funds to pay an attorney - generally either a private lawyer will be appointed by the court and paid with county funds, or a public defender program will be appointed to represent the person.

Why is it called Bono?

Reports suggested it was Bono's friend and collaborator Gavin Friday who originally named him Bono Vox, which he didn't like at first. However, he came to accept it after he was told it came from the Latin word Bonavox, which meant good voice.

Are pro bono lawyers any good?

While people sometimes expect pro bono lawyers to be less capable or committed to their clients, that's not true, Johnson says. Legal service staff attorneys deliver results that are just as good as for-fee attorneys, and they tend to be the most passionate and committed lawyers, Johnson says.

What does pro bono come from?

The term "pro bono," which is short for pro bono publico, is a Latin term that means "for the public good."

What does the Latin phrase Cui bono mean?

Cui bono? (Classical Latin: [kui̯ ˈbɔnoː]), in English "to whom is it a benefit?", is a Latin phrase about identifying crime suspects.

What is it called when a lawyer works for a percentage?

Contingency fees mean you will pay the lawyer a certain percentage of the money you receive if you win the case or settle the matter out of court. If you lose your case, the lawyer does not receive any payment from you.

What is the Latin root word for pro bono?

The term "pro bono" comes from the Latin phrase “pro bono publico”, which means "for the public good." While that is clear enough, the history of attorneys providing services pro bono is long, complicated, and a bit hazy.

What does de bono mean?

De Bono is a surname of Italian origin, rooted from the Latin word "bonus" meaning "good". It originated in Northern Italy and its first known documentation appears in Parma in the thirteenth century, where it is recorded in deeds of property sale.

What is the opposite of pro bono?

Well, the opposite of "for the public good" would be "for profit", which would directly translate into Latin as pro prodest.

What is the disadvantage of pro bono?

Another risk with pro bono work can be the temptation to take shortcuts on and/or neglect pro bono matters simply because these clients are non-paying clients.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest-Paid Types of Lawyers
  • Patent attorney: $180,000.
  • Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.
  • Trial lawyer: $134,000.
  • Tax attorney: $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Medical lawyer: $113,000.
  • Real estate lawyer: $98,000.
  • Family lawyer: $93,000.

Do doctors do pro bono work?

Physicians and Attorneys have long provided pro bono and charitable care where ever and whenever needed. Indeed, accountants, bakers, candlestick makers, and even musicians provide professional services to clients who are unable to pay for services provided.

What does semper free mean?

However, “Semper Fi” (as it's yelled, cheered, or used as a greeting) is not just a motto for the Marines – it's a way of life. The phrase is Latin for “Always Faithful” and it embodies the Marine Corps' forever commitment to both their fellow Marines and the United States. Photo credit DVIDS/Cpl.

What is the most famous Latin motto?

One of the best known and most frequently quoted Latin expression, veni, vidi, vici may be found hundreds of times throughout the centuries used as an expression of triumph. The words are said to have been used by Caesar as he was enjoying a triumph.

What is the Latin word for nothing without God?

Nihil sine Deo. Nihil sine Deo, Latin for "Nothing without God" (German: Nichts ohne Gott; Romanian: Nimic fără Dumnezeu), is used as a motto of the German Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen royal family and was the motto of both the former Principality of Romania and the former Kingdom of Romania.