What does "pro bono" work mean in legal practice?

The term "pro bono" refers to legal services offered at no charge or a significantly reduced fee, typically provided to individuals or groups who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. This concept emphasizes the professional responsibility of attorneys to contribute to the public good by making legal assistance accessible to those in need.

While "pro bono" work can certainly involve volunteering for non-profit organizations or may be performed in a volunteer capacity, the key aspect of pro bono work is the provision of legal services without the expectation of compensation, thereby focusing on the financial aspect rather than the volunteer status. This concept is embedded in the ethical obligations of lawyers, who are encouraged to dedicate a portion of their time to such work as a way of giving back to the community and ensuring justice for all, regardless of economic status.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of pro bono work. For instance, limiting pro bono to only non-profit organizations (the first choice) narrows the definition unnecessarily, while stating that it is only for volunteers (the third choice) overlooks the broader context that includes representation for individuals. Therefore, the definition that emphasizes legal services offered free of charge or at a significantly reduced fee precisely aligns with the essence of pro bono work.